It might only be a small consolation, but Orange Hawks got one back on fierce Group 10 rivals Bathurst St Pat’s on Sunday.
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After the blue and whites stormed home to claim the 2017 Group 10 league tag premiership 16-12 over the two blues at Wade Park on grand final day two weeks ago, Hawks has recorded a 16-6 win over St Pat’s in the opening round of the Western Region Women’s Nines competition, held at Caltex Park, Dubbo.
The opening round win was the coupled with a commanding 18-10 triumph over Dubbo Westside, with Sophie Stammers scoring three tries across the day for her adopted nines club to impress.
The competition debuted last season but has ballooned to include eight sides in 2017.
Country Rugby League female participation officer Kylie Hilder believes the announcement of new and returning competitions is testament to the continued growth of women’s rugby league across regional NSW.
“The Nines were a fantastic success last season,” Hilder said.
“It’s all about having fun and getting an opportunity to play, or try, tackle rugby league with your friends in a fun environment.”
A Western Region side will also be named to play in the Country Championships.
And if the opening two rounds is anything to go by, a stack of Dubbo CYMS girls will be in line for selection.
The Group 11 League Tag champions shape as a genuine threat in the 2017 Country Rugby League Western Region Women’s Nines tackle tournament after two convincing wins in the opening round.
CYMS scored 12 tries all-up in big victories against Wellington (26-nil) and the Misfits (24-4).
It’s all about having fun and getting an opportunity to play, or try, tackle rugby league with your friends in a fun environment.
- CRL female participation officer Kylie Hilder
Goal-kicking is the area CYMS can improve on but with Group 11 League Tag grand final hero Majayda Darcy and star Rikka Lamb-Lane scoring three tries apiece in the pair of matches CYMS look hard to beat.
Perhaps another challenger could be merged entity and the third side to win both its matches the Oberon-Nyngan Tigers.
The Tigers defeated Dubbo Macquarie 12-4 and the Wellington Cowgirls (16-6) with Edwina Ulberg (two tries) the only multiple try-scorer, highlighting the Tigers’ all-round ability.
Upon re-commencement, Western Region’s CRL Women’s Nines competition will continue until Saturday, October 28, allowing all eight clubs the chance to play 10 nine-a-side contests.
The CRL women’s nines gives females the chance to play full-contact rugby league and many players love that opportunity, with the winter season offering league tag.