Returning players and an ‘awesome’ club culture is the driving force behind the Coastal women’s premier side as they look to chase down three consecutive titles.

The CMK women’s premier club competition kicks off on Saturday with a large bulk of the players returning for another season.

The competition will be slightly different to last year with three teams involved including two-time defending champions Coastal, Clifton and Southern. Okaiawa decided not to field a team in the competition due to farming commitments in their community, due to the later start amid COVID.

The competition will wrap up on 8 August after two full rounds and a game of three halves in the middle of the season. 

Coastal captain Jalana Smith, who is also the skipper for the Port Taranaki Whio in the Farah Palmer Cup, said the side has enjoyed themselves over the last few seasons while showing ‘skill execution and a bit of mongrel.’

Smith said she is looking forward to another season with players committing to another season.

“We have a core of players returning from the past two seasons who know what it takes to win. This has also created an awesome club culture where each player does their part for the team.”

Smith said they have strong numbers as players have joined from Spotswood United who were unable to find enough players to form a team.

New players who have joined the squad this year are Tyla Henderson, Kate Parkinson, Danielle Muggeridge and Tiana Davison who will add balance to the team.

The squad also features season campaigners like Smith herself, Brooke Sim, Lisa Appert, Victoria McCullough and Nicole Whittle with a large selection of those players having first-class experience.  

In the last two seasons, Coastal beat Clifton in the final, who will no doubt be wanting to return the favour this season.

As for the Port Taranaki Whio, Smith said club rugby is important for the development of players.

“Having a decent club season provides the women an opportunity to grow their skills and confidence to perform at a higher level.” 

Coastal will be coached by Alan Crowley. Known as Smurf, Crowley played 82 matches for the province at halfback.

The women’s competition kicks off on Saturday 20 June at 11am at Rahotu where Coastal hosts Clifton.

Coastal Premier Women’s Squad:

Brooke Sim, Jalana Smith, Lisa Appert, Victoria McCullough, Nicole Whittle, Tiana Davison, Tyla Henderson, Jacqui Smith, Atalya Fakavamoeanga, Kate Parkinson, Natalie Jones, Brylee Gee, Jess Lampe, Danielle Muggeridge, Maya Norgate, Tasha Hintz, Leah Barnard, Chanae Maree, Rachel Brook, Alesha Williams, Jaymi Ngaia, Amy Jones, Amelia Hester.

Coach: Alan ‘Smurf’ Crowley

Managers: Deb Davies & Kate Anderson

CMK Chartered Accountants are proud partners of Taranaki club rugby. CMK Chartered Accountants have been providing accounting, taxation and business development support to clients for nearly 70 years. They take pride in working closely with their clients at all stages of growth, to structure their business to maximise both profit and efficiency.

Article added: Friday 19 June 2020