Gympie Hammers U17 Girls Shine at Noosa 7s
The Gympie Hammers U17 Girls have stamped their mark on the Queensland rugby scene with an electrifying performance at the Noosa 7s Carnival, pushing themselves to new heights and reaching their first-ever Grand Final in the competition’s history.
Under the guidance of Coach Brad, the Hammers girls embodied the spirit of resilience, grit, and teamwork—qualities that have become the foundation of their 2025 season. Facing sweltering conditions, fierce competition, and a gruelling schedule, the squad delivered a performance that had spectators, commentators, and opponents alike on the edge of their seats.
The campaign began with a hard-fought 17-12 victory over Kelvin Grove, highlighted by barnstorming runs from Captain Bella and a match-winning try after the buzzer, set up by Shaylah’s incredible composure under pressure. While the Hammers encountered a setback against Empower Rugby Academy, the defensive heroics of Hunter, Jess, and Leila K kept them in the contest. Determined to bounce back, the team came out firing in their next match, adjusting tactics on the fly to deliver a much more physical contest against Northside Rugby. Despite suffering another minor injury, the girls continued to build their cohesion and confidence.
With their backs against the wall in a must-win clash against Nambour, the squad dug deep. A game-changing performance from Kirra, fresh legs, and a renewed sense of urgency helped them secure a 17-10 win and a place in the Semi-Final. There, they faced the undefeated ladder-leaders, Empower Rugby Academy. From the first whistle, the Hammers delivered their best rugby of the day. Kirra opened the scoring within 30 seconds, and a flawless first half had the crowd erupting. The defining moment came when Hunter put her body on the line to hold up a game-tying try, securing a monumental 17-10 victory and a ticket to the Grand Final.
The Championship match against Northside Rugby was nothing short of a thriller, a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams locked at 10-10 at full-time. In a gripping golden point extra-time period, the exhausted but determined Hammers fought valiantly, repelling multiple attacks before narrowly missing a final scoring opportunity. Northside capitalised on a turnover and raced end-to-end to claim the 15-10 win.
While the final result may not have gone their way, the achievement of the Gympie Hammers U17 Girls cannot be understated. Coach Brad reflected on how far the program has come, from struggling to field eight players just three years ago to now boasting a squad of 20, a Semi-Final breakthrough, and a Grand Final appearance that showcased their growing reputation in Queensland rugby.
“This group of girls played their hearts out, and they made history for the Gympie Hammers. We took down the top team, we pushed the final into extra time, and we proved that we belong among the best. Seeing them come together, fight for each other, and make our club and town proud—it was hands down the best rugby day of my life,” Coach Brad said.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, the Hammers U17 Girls have well and truly laid down a marker. Their resilience, skill, and never-say-die attitude will no doubt make them a force to be reckoned with as they continue their journey in rugby.
The club extends its deepest gratitude to the parents, supporters, and committee members who made this achievement possible. The Gympie Hammers U17 Girls are just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
