BATHURST St Pat’s put the disappointment of last week’s loss behind them with a 24-18 win over Lithgow Workies in the Group 10 women’s league tag minor semi final at Glen Willow on Saturday.
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The blue and whites seemed to be in control for the entire match as they had several more opportunities to score tries but were stopped by some desperate Lithgow defence.
Lithgow coach Joe Inzitari said his team came up against a quality St Pat’s outfit.
“We played really good tag but we were just out-classed,” Inzitari said.
“They were pretty quick and moved the ball around well.
“Our fitness levels did show a little bit at the end but we couldn’t get the ball away.
“The girls tried to execute these plays but it wasn’t happening, they were just shutting us down.
“They are a very experienced side.
“The girls can hold their heads high, they have had a good year.”
Amy Hunt opened the scoring for St Pat’s in the fifth minute but it was soon cancelled out by Tayla Gale.
Just as quickly as the scores became levelled, St Pat’s regained their lead.
Bridgid Rhynehart crossed over from dummy half for a 12-6 lead in the 10th minute.
St Pat’s applied the pressure on Lithgow towards the end of the first half but Lithgow managed to hold them out with some great tagging to keep the scores 12-6 at half time.
The leaders had their third try early in the second half when Mesner scored to make it 18-6.
A long individual effort from Gale, who ran 70 metres and stepped the fullback, gave Lithgow renewed hope however a try to Bronte McKay with four minutes to go sealed the win for St Pat’s.
Gale’s third try with 40 seconds left on the clock and Chrissie West’s third conversion made the final score 24-18 to St Pat’s.
Tilley said his team would have a good shot in next week’s preliminary final.
“Whoever we play, I think we can beat them,” he said.
Scoreboard: BATHURST ST PAT’S 24 (Amy Hunt, Bridgid Rhynehart, Bronte Mackay, Harriet Mesner tries; Mish Somers 4 goals) def LITHGOW WORKIES 18 (Tayla Gale 3; Chrissie West 3 goals).
