After finishing third last year, the NSW Country team returned home disappointed after going down to eventual tournament winners Queensland 28-5 and ACT 27-10. Playing off for fifth place, Country played Victoria and dominated the game eventually winning 37-0 but returning with a number of injuries.

For the first time the NSW Development team took part in the Nationals tournament.

In a solid hit out against South Australia, NSW Development showed they had something to prove winning the game 20-0.

Taking on the women from the Australian Services, NSW Development went down fighting 29-5 finishing second in Division 2.

The Australian Wallaroo training squad was announced on Friday after the tournament with weight Country players gaining selection.

Hunter player Margaret Watson will be joined by Rebecca Trethowan and Megan Shanahan who have previously represented Hunter in the Wallaroo squad.

All three players come from the Newcastle University Club.

Tobie McGann missed out on selection for the side due to injury, which will possibly see her miss the remainder of the season.

The squad will play Samoa later in the year to qualify for the 2010 Women’s Rugby Union World Cup to be held in England.

Around the grounds on the weekend saw Merewether Carlton take on top of the table Wanderers at No. 5 Sportsground.

Although the second half saw Merewether score two hard-fought tries, the polished Wanderers side came away will a 57-12 win.

Hamilton then took on the battered University side at Passmores Oval in a game marred by injury.

Hamilton came away will the 10-7 win after the never-say-die University side continued to play with only nine players in the last 10 minutes.

Round 9 results see Wanderers clear leaders of the competition with Merewether Carlton, University and Hamilton taking out the top four positions.

If your interested in playing, supporting or sponsoring women’s rugby in the Hunter go to http://hunterwomen.rugbynet.com.a u or phone Carly Jane Walters on 0412 957 405.