It’s always a disappointment to get so close but just miss out. In their third crack at a premiership in only their fifth year of existence, the Goulburn Dirty Reds women were unable to beat ADFA, the only team they couldn’t beat all year, in the ACT Women’s Grand Final. The Men’s side will face their final encounter for 2023 when they take on Uni-Norths in the ACT first division first grade grand final next weekend.
Seniors
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ACT Women’s 10s: Grand finals go past like a sprint, and even moreso in ACT Women’s 10s where the game is over in 40 minutes. The match was played at a frenetic pace and Australian Defence Force Academy had five tries to one on the board, or 31-7, by half time. While the second half was a much closer contest with ADFA scoring four tries and Goulburn three, unfortunately the damage had already been done and it proved too hard a target to chase down.
In season 2023, ADFA had been dwelling in the cellar until Round 6 when they pulled off a surprise 20-19 win over Goulburn. Following that, their performances turned a corner and they never looked back. In this game they capitalised on the wealth of possession afforded them, often after Goulburn infringements, and they proved effective at evading Goulburn’s defence and scoring with almost every set of phases. In a testimony to her ability and performance, skipper Ashley Mewburn was named Player of the Match from the beaten side – a rare accolade.
Despite the disappointment of not bringing home their third premiership, the match, and the season in general, delivered many highlights and milestones. In their longest season since forming, Goulburn started in sensational form, undefeated after their first five games. A slew of the Goulburn women’s squad were picked in rep sides, and Chloe Waddell and Ash Mewburn both scored more than 100 points in the season, with Ash scoring her personal highest tally for any season (111) and Chloe notching up 50 Goulburn tries – two of those in this match – the first woman to achieve the feat (she also leads point-scoring for the season with that honour to be decided next weekend).
The Goulburn women battled through several rounds with a threadbare bench and showed determination and commitment every week. If they can stay together, season 2024 is well within their grasp.
Goulburn’s Results
- ACT Women’s 10s: ADFA 55 bt Goulburn 26
Around the Grounds:
ACT 1st Division 1st Grade:
- Uni-Norths 33 bt Tuggeranong 5
ACT 1st Division 2nd grade:
- Royals 43 bt Uni-Norths 16
ACT Women’s 10s
- ADFA 55 bt Goulburn 26
ACT 2nd Division South Coast Monaro
- Jindabyne 50 bt Crookwell 33
Tables:
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