By Leah Rudman

Hillston Bluebirds fielded their largest ever women's squad in season 2025

In a hard-fought semi-final on Saturday, the Hillston Bluebirds Women’s Team faced off against Rankin Springs in a match that tested every part of their game.

We started strong and led 4–0 at halftime, with Leah Rudman scoring the opening try.

Our defence remained tight, and the team’s unity kept the momentum firmly in our favour.

In the second half, Rankin Springs responded, slowly closing the gap and tying the game at 4–4.

With just 30 seconds remaining on the clock, Springs broke through to score, taking the final score to 10–4.

While the result brings our season to a close, we will continue to hold our heads high for everything we’ve achieved.

This season has been about skill improvement, team commitment, and building a supportive culture in our club.

Our team has shown up week after week—not just for games and training, but for each other.

Players have pushed through setbacks, personal challenges, injuries, and mental health struggles to be part of this team.

This year, the Bluebirds Women’s Team also reached a new milestone: fielding the largest women’s squad in the club’s history.

All of this has been made possible through the leadership and support of our coach, Jed Webster, whose commitment and effort have been behind every step we’ve taken.

What we’ve built together goes well beyond our results.

The Bluebirds Women’s Team leaves the field proud of who we are and what we’ve become—on and off the field.

All images: Andrew McLean