THE Group 4 women’s side began their campaign slowly at Scully Park on Saturday.
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On an historic day for rugby league in the region – the first time women’s tackle had been included in the Greater Northern Tigers Championships – Group 4 lost their first game to Group 21 16-nil.
It was a clash in which they were under pressure almost from the kick-off. The side did defend well, though, and only trailed 12-nil at halftime.
“We did have a tough start,” Group 4 coach Adelaide Monika said. “We did defend well, though – I really enjoyed that.”
There were some big hits from Group 4, with Chantelle Lee, Jodi Howarth, Ebonee Ison and Zoe Darlington impressing in that department.
The second half started better for Group 4, with a few breaks from Darlington and Maria Monika sparking the side. However, ball-control issues was a limiting factor.
“We couldn’t hold the ball,” Monika said, adding: “They have got to be ready to receive the ball. And we will be trying to get the ball wide in our second game. That’s where our speed is out wide.”
In their second match, Group 4 ran into a hot Group 19 side who used the ball well and led 18-nil at halftime, after tries to Taneika Landsborough, Skye Gordan-Briggs and Robyn Broadbent, before winning 22-0.
A crushing Chantelle Lee first-half tackle on Vicki Youman was a highlight for the hosts. Youman bounced up to score in the second half, as Group 4 fought hard but, again, couldn’t the ball.
Lee was outstanding for Group 4, while Group 4 hooker Tara Wilkinson-Ryan also worked tirelessly – and at one stage chased and tackled two likely tryscorers before snaring a loose ball to defuse the danger.
Barraba’s Darlington, South West Robins pair Joan O’Leary and Toni Skuthorpe, and Boggabri’s Lauren Clarke earned spots in the 20-member Greater Northern Tigers squad, who play North Coast, at Coffs Harbour on March 9, in a Country Championships opener.
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GROUP 21 16 (Brooke Davis 2, Lucy Prudden tries, Lucy Prudden, Samantha Elphick gls) d GROUP 4 0.
GROUP 21 6 (Lucy Prudden try and gl) d GROUP 19 4 (Vicki Youman try).
GROUP 19 22 (Taneika Landsborough, Skye Gordan-Briggs, Robyn Broadbent, Vicki Youman tries, Amy Barraclough 3gls) d GROUP 4 0.
GROUP 19 22 (Taneika Landsborough, Skye Gordan-Briggs, Robyn Broadbent, Vicki Youman tries, Amy Barraclough 3gls) d GROUP 4 0.
Group 21 won the Jane Walsmley Shield.
Tigers: Jess Morgan, Taylah Blackadder, Gaynor Blackadder (Merriwa), Brooke Davis (Greta Branxton), Shae Pemberton (Muswellbrook), Lucy Prudden (Murrurundi), Lauren Clarke (Boggabri), Joan O’Leary (South West Robins), Toni Skuthorpe (South West Robins), Zoe Darlington (Barraba), Amelia Tunmena, Alisa Tunmena, Sarah Byrne (Glen Innes), Robyn Broadbent, Amy Barraclough, Alyce Walsh, Brooke O’Halloran, Katelyn Smith (Uralla), Taneika Landsborough (Guyra). Coach – Mick Schmiedel.
