Kaiapoi’s Ashleigh Barnsdale set for 150th game.

Each season, clubs celebrate the stalwarts of their clubs, those that have consistently given up their time to support, play and volunteer for their team. This season is no different, with a special milestone to come out in North Canterbury.  

Kaiapoi’s Ashleigh Barnsdale will bring up a massive milestone for the club this Thursday night, when her Kaiapoi team take on Christchurch under lights, running out for 150th game for the club. A culmination of 14 years of effort at the club, the Round 3 fixture is one Barnsdale is certainly looking forward to. 

“I’m extremely excited to get out there, it certainly will be a tough game.” said Barnsdale. “I like playing under lights so it’s a bit of a different way to bring up the milestone.”  

Starting in 2008, Barnsdale’s entry to rugby was anything but typical. Growing up in England, Barnsdale was an gymnast before moving to New Zealand, meaning her experience with rugby was limited when she started.  

“I’d probably watched one rugby game before, a Crusaders game when I first arrived. Then one night, I bumped into some of the Kaiapoi rugby girls at the local pub and they convinced me to come along.” Barnsdale said. “Initially, I was quite nervous and scared about giving rugby a go, but I was determined to give it a go. It certainly was a very different experience to other sporting experiences, but once I started, I never looked back.” 

Playing across the wing, midfield and now as a hooker in her 14 seasons, Barnsdale has seen her skills improve, something that she points out as the highlight of her time playing rugby. “The highlight for me would be my self growth. Going from not having a clue about what I’m doing to now having a clue, it’s been awesome to build my confidence in the game.” 

Barnsdale also points to her teammates when looking at the highlights from 149 games so far. “Another highlight would be seeing the new girls come through and develop, seeing them grow in confidence and ability each season is something that’s really cool.” 

It all leads to the exciting prospect of Thursday’s game, with Barnsdale joining an elite group of community women to bring up a very special milestone.