Narooma rugby union prodigy Lilly-Rose Bennett can an add an impressive medal to her trophy collection.
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The 16-year-old has just returned home with a Commonwealth Games gold medal after scoring a hat-trick of tries in the final of youth rugby sevens event in the Bahamas.
She said it was an “incredible and emotional” experience to stand on the podium and accept the medal after an amazing week of round-robin play where she scored 11 tries.
“I just couldn’t wipe the grin off my face,” Lilly-Rose beams, “but the biggest highlight just had to be playing in the youth Commonwealth Games.”
From the chilly conditions of winter on the Far South Coast, one of the biggest challenges proved to be adapting to the sweltering conditions in the Bahamas.
“Every day was like a heatwave it was so hot, which was even worse to play in … I think I got used to it by the end, but it’s safe to say I actually missed winter,” she says with a laugh.
“We were all struggling to train in the heat, it was so easy to get light-headed and dizzy, but we stuck with it and just kept up our fluids.”
As one of the younger players, Lilly-Rose knew her strength was in her speed, but wasn’t sure how she would stack up ahead of the trip.
She was thrilled to discover she was among the top two pace-setters at the competition and soon found herself bursting through opposition lines and landing her maiden try.
“Other people were very quick, but my speed was right at the top in the top two, which was pretty cool,” she said.
“It was such an amazing feeling scoring a try knowing the level of competition, so I was stoked!”
She starred for the Australian squad, planting 11 tries and receiving one of just two game balls from the grand final.
“That was a pretty big highlight to be given one,” she recalls.
She was joined by her Dad and her Nan for the trip and said their presence made it even sweeter when the team won.
“I’m so glad they were there because after winning the gold, just being able to have family there to hold was the best feeling ever.
“A big thank you to them for coming over, I’m so glad you guys were there that I could share the experience with, I love you both lots.”
She said was also incredibly grateful to everyone who helped cover the cost of the trip and for their messages and support from home.
“I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support before I left, a special thank you to Bay Tigers, Narooma athletics, Narooma high school, friends and family for your donations I couldn't have done it without you guys,” Lilly-Rose said.
Lilly-Rose is now adapting back to normal high school life after she and her dad took a few days to recover from the jet-lag.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
