Recap

Dirty Reds Women juggernaut rolls on with win over Uni Norths

By PETE OLIVER

It was a top of the table clash that offered plenty, but the Goulburn Dirty Reds Women blew Uni Norths Owls away in a dominant 45-10 victory on Saturday.

Travelling away to the Barn in the ACT, Goulburn rolled out on a seven tries to two performance and put the rest of the competition on notice.

While centre Maddy Tooth may have led the way with five tries, the victory was built on a genuine team effort throughout the playing squad.

Tooth was a danger every time she got the ball. She has incredible vision to see defenders up field and either scoot around them with her pace, or just run straight over the top of them.

It’s an old rugby truism that the forwards set the platform for a team’s attack. On Saturday, Goulburn’s pack showed just how true this is. The front row of Paige Penning, Sariah Mita and SiuLatavao were very strong in the scrum, receiving great support from second rowers Bella Sheen and Elly Hazelton, in what was a great contest at the set piece. Their work around the field was also excellent, with Goulburn aggressive and assertive at the ruck.

The halves pairing of Jordan Brooker and Ash Mewburn steered the team around superbly, while Cassi Law was safe as a house at the back, making good decisions in attack and defence.

Latavao is now at serious risk of being kicked out of the front rowers’ club, after she showed a clean set of heels to run 65m to score one of the great solo tries. Receiving the ball from the kick off, Latavao broke through the Owls’ defence and strode to the try line.

Hazelton capped off a fine game with a well-deserved try, after selflessly giving up an earlier try to Tooth.

Cobie Sheehan and Hope Cohen came into the game day squad following a number of late omissions and each made an impact in their 10s debut. Cohen showed incredible strength with the ball, dragging defenders with her, while Sheehan made some important tackles and runs. Maddy Campbell and Karly Rowe also made important contributions from the bench, ensuring Goulburn didn’t lose momentum as they rolled on.

Defensively, Goulburn drew a line in the sand, with Tooth, Latavao and Brooker dishing out some huge hits to blunt the Owls’ attack.

However, the Reds will need to focus on reining in some of the penalties they gave away, particularly late in the game, and taking the referee out of the match with improved discipline.

Unsurprisingly, Tooth received three best and fairest points, along with Players’ Player. Latavao took home two points, with Mita picking up her first best and fairest point for the club.

The result now sets up a blockbuster home match against Hall Bushrangers, who are coming off a 49-15 drubbing of Yass. There is plenty to play for, with the winner to sit alone atop the ladder.

Special mention goes to Sheehan, Courtney Leary and Michele Cooke for an outstanding job of strapping, prepping and providing on field medical expertise to all three grades on Saturday.

Goulburn Dirty Reds Women 45 (Tooth 5, Hazelton, Latavao tries, Mewburn 5 con) bt Uni Norths Owls Women 10 (George, Delbridge tries).

Photos, PETE OLIVER.

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