On an Easter Friday afternoon, 22 April 2000, for the first time in history the National Deaf Women’s Seven Tournament was played between the Southern and Central teams at the Canterbury Rugby League Stadium.
The Southern side was just too good for Central! The Southern team won easily, scoring 36-0 and the feat was repeated the next day, on Saturday 23 April 2000, with the Southern side thrashing Central 44-0. On the Sunday, both teams agreed to a mixed friendly match, and the Northern girls were encouraged to participate in the 2001 Easter weekend tournament in Rotorua.
Samantha Martin, the Southern captain was outstanding and was awarded the Best Player trophy from Bill Bush, President of Canterbury Rugby Football Union.
Southern Zone Deaf Womens
Anna Tyler, Pollyanna Ferguson, Sue Tweedle (Manager), Sandy Tonkin, Paula Jeeves, Greg Pateman (Trainer), David Earnest (Coach), Lana Matangi, Claudia Hall, Craig Haworth (Coach), Sam Te Maari (physio), Nirvana Graham, Emma Witsey, Samantha Martin (Captain), Rhona Burtt (Vice Captain), Charee Arnold.
Central Zone Deaf Womens
Susan Jamieson, Lyn Barham, Cheryl Tangiwai, Dennis Mullane (Manager), Roydon Seymour-East (physio), Rachel McMillan, Jessica Martens, Jodie Kuklinski, Stu Saunders (Coach), Ange Tangiwai, Kylie Rabbitts, Debra Jamieson, Nikki Greenland, Maria Griffiths.
