Holcim Cup Round 3 Preview

Seagulls Reporter – Saavanah Bourke

The first two weeks of the women’s Holcim Cup has been a roller-coaster ride for the Gold Coast Airport Seagulls, who are now searching for some consistency in the last three rounds of competition.

The Government’s latest border shutdown forced the girl Gulls to withdraw from Round 2 of competition, who return to the field this weekend with a fight to make up for lost time.

Coach Mike Castle said it’s an opportunity for the girls to prove their place in the competition.

“After some disappointment last week they have come back with some excitement about playing again,” Mike said.

“Because we have been given the opportunity to come back I think it’s more important to make it known that we deserve to be here and that we can add something to the competition,” he said.

The Gulls will face the West Brisbane Panthers in their first half at Pizzey Park on Saturday, taking on competition leaders Souths Logan Magpies in the second half.

With both sides having size in their favour, Mike said his side will have to play to their strengths.

“They will have to be brave – we are a smaller side but we have some quick and exciting players,” he said.

“They are all excited to go – across the board they all want to put their hand up for a Queensland spot so I’m hoping we see the best of them.”

Co-captain Tarryn Aiken will return to the team after playing for the Panthers in Round 2, with forward Jess Elliston and influential back Chelsea Baker also named in the side after featuring for Easts Tigers last week.

Border difficulties have pulled Abbie Beecher, Lizzy Ross and Hannah Calugay out of the side, meaning Burleigh Bears Linda Edmuns joins the Gulls on loan.

The Seagulls will kick off against the Panthers at 2pm, followed by the Magpies at 2.40pm.