Cayman’s rugby program has evolved impressively recently and the women are the latest of benefit from high level coaching and a big injection of funds.
At the North America Caribbean Rugby Association sevens tournament in November, the Cayman women’s team outshone the men by coming fourth, even though many of the players were making their competitive debuts.
One of them was Shenel Gall, best known as Cayman’s first woman pro footballer who played in the U.S. and was a first-choice pick with Swiss side FC Neunkirch when she left in the summer.
Now taking a break from full-time football to concentrate on finishing her degree in finance and management, Gall is enjoying a new-found interest in rugby.
“Last year shaped up really well for me, it was a great year,” she said. “I was part of the squad to make history [by] being promoted in the National League A (Swiss First Division).
“That was a wonderful experience. Then after returning home and getting into rugby, it was just another fantastic surprise, especially placing fourth in NACRA. Now I want to see how far I can make it with rugby.”
Her rugby interest was piqued by a couple of friends already playing it who thought she would enjoy it.
“So I decided to give it a try and it has been amazing so far. Being with this team definitely makes me want to continue,” she said.
With her blistering acceleration and tricky lateral movement, Gall was an instant success, scoring at least five tries in the NACRA sevens.
Expectations of the women doing well was low. “I think it took everyone by surprise how well we did. We came together in a very short time and played great, but I would have to say we formed a bond very quickly, not only with teammates but with coaches too, and that changed everything.”
There are plenty of Caymanians now in the national squad, which used to be dominated by expats.
As well as Gall, it includes Tracey Seymour, Jodie McTaggart, Chynae Samuels, Jenna Richards, Lisa Kehoe, Marline Williams and Annie Rankine.
Gall is inspired by the wealth of experience and knowledge players like captain Joanne Ziegler and Kehoe pass on and also coaches Martin Livingston, James Buckley, Dave Robinson and manager Mark “Woolly Bully” Woollard.
Then the women went to Tobago for another sevens tournament last month where they faced some tough challenges.
“The experience in Tobago was a whole other level,” Gall Said. “The playing conditions were much harder to play in. It rained heavily and the field was covered in mud and puddles of water spread out on the field.
“Playing-wise, it was another challenge for us. Teams were bigger, stronger and more technical. But definitely a great experience to take in, learn and move on for that.”
Football takes a back seat for the time being as Gall’s sporting ambitions remain in rugby and she intends to get stronger, faster and understand the sport better.
“This coming year is going to be an eventful one. We have set some goals already [of] what we want to accomplish and I’m excited for it, the team is as well. I’m looking forward to working with the coaches and playing with my teammates again.”
Related Videos
