JAMES Sheahan Catholic High School’s open girls’ sevens rugby union side is through to the state championship in June after finishing the Central West gala day in first place on Thursday.

On the back of two wins, a draw and one loss, the Sheahan girls edged out schools from Narromine, Dubbo, Mudgee and Brewarrina to claim top billing out of the Central West region.

Sheahan coach Kieron Hogan said the main aim for the girls heading to Dubbo for the tournament was fun - and winning was a bonus.

“Many of the senior girls are involved in the local league tag competition,” she said. 

“Our main focus was the girls enjoy themselves and have the opportunity to learn new skills. Given the enthusiasm of the girls and their willingness to learn the skills, we did expect that they would be very competitive on the day. 

“This was our second year competing and it was fantastic to see the girls improve their skills, particularly tackling and line-outs.”

That improvement was on show throughout a 15-5 win over Dubbo Senior College, a 10-all draw with Mudgee High and then another comprehensive 25-5 victory over Dubbo in the semi-final.

Sheahan lost the last match 15-10 but was still crowned the overall winner on the day. 

Hogan said the influence of former Sheahan student and current Jillaroos gun Vanessa Foliaki on the school’s players was immeasurable, describing the international as a perfect role model for the current squad.

“She’s even offered to do some coaching with the girls,” Hogan added. 

“Women’s sevens is constantly growing and it’s wonderful that they are able to be involved at this level and to also have the opportunities for the pathways that are opening in this sport. 

“There were scouts there on the day looking for new talent to join representative sides.” 

The open girls’ outfit wasn’t the only Sheahan team on show either.

Both of the school’s under 14s sides went through the competition undefeated to finish first and second in their age division.