The Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens team, including Bay local Cassie Staples, has narrowly missed out on gold after going down to New Zealand 17-12 in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games final on Sunday afternoon.
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The Australian side fought to the end in a nail-biting match against the Kiwis at Robina Stadium, taking home silver after New Zealand sealed their win with a try in extra time.
The New Zealand side proved too strong for the Aussies, with Kelly Brazier scoring the winning try for the side after 6.5 minutes of extra time.
Batemans Bay’s own Cassie Staples came onto the field in the second half after Australian captain Shannon Parry limped from the field with an injury.
The Australian side had its work cut out after two tries from New Zealand saw the side maintain a 12-0 lead into the second half.
A further setback for the Aussies came after star player Charlotte Caslick suffered an injury and was replaced by substitute Emma Skyes just seconds into the second half.
The green and gold had a breakthrough with three minutes left on the clock, with a try from Ellia Green evening out the score.
Both sides battled it out through almost seven minutes of extra time; however, a line break from Kelly Brazier saw the Kiwis victorious.
Father and Batemans Bay local Wayne Staples spoke to the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner from the Gold Coast prior to the match and said daughter Cassie was “feeling confident” heading into the gold medal play-off.
“We’ve had little chats on the phone, just giving her support,” Mr Staples said.
“She’s been really good, really confident.
“The atmosphere is phenomenal.
“I’m just excited and nervous at the same time.”
2018 marked the in first time a women’s sevens tournament had been added to the Commonwealth Games program.
