Under-strength Dirty Reds extend lead in the Women’s 10s competition

By PETE OLIVER

A 13-try romp over the Yass Rams has seen the Goulburn Dirty Reds Women continue their unbeaten season, extending their lead at the top of the Women’s 10s ladder.

With half the starting squad unavailable, Saturday’s match was an opportunity for newer players in the team to step up for big game time. By the time the full-time whistle blew, Goulburn had racked up an 83-5 win, with every player putting in a strong performance.

The match also saw the return of some familiar faces, with Emily Adam, Manessah Humphries, Dani McDonald and Ash Broadbridge pulling on the boots to bolster playing numbers. All four players looked immediately at home back in the Dirty Reds jersey and all made a big impact in the match.

It took Goulburn less than a minute to get on the board through captain Ash Mewburn, and from there it was a steady procession of try scorers.

Prop Siu Latavao became the first Women’s forward to ever bag five tries in a game for Goulburn, yet again showing off her speed and power on her way to the line.

Cassi Law had an outstanding game at the back, netting herself two tries in the process, while lock Hope Cohen capped off a trademark hard-running performance with a double. Cohen’s locking partner Karly Rowe crossed for her first ever try, and Chloe Waddell, who had an excellent game in her non-preferred position of halfback, also notched up a five pointer. Melissa Smith, in her second ever game of rugby and first run on start, had a fantastic game in the backline, making several strong runs.

Poidevin Oval was understandably soggy after Friday night’s rain, yet the handling was quite solid as Goulburn worked hard to retain possession and build pressure on Yass.

Goulburn’s defence was rock solid, with the home team racing off the line and shutting down any opportunities Yass had with the ball, before putting enormous pressure on at the ruck.

In a great show of spirit, Goulburn’s Sariah Mita and Maddy Campbell pulled on a Yass jersey to ensure the numbers were even for the game. Both Mita and Campbell had excellent showings for the Rams, with Campbell the away team’s sole try scorer when she capped off a kick chase.

Goulburn have been guilty of taking the foot off the pedal in previous games, and while fatigue set in for both sides in the second half, Goulburn’s attitude was still top notch. Yass lifted significantly in the second half, putting together phases of play and denying Goulburn the same possession they enjoyed during the first half. However, Goulburn absorbed the Yass attack for the most part.

The whole match was played in outstanding spirit, with both teams enjoying a laugh in the mud, and referee allowed the game to flow from start to finish.

Unsurprisingly, Latavao received three Best and Fairest points, building on her already considerable total for the season. Two points went to Law, with one point going to Adam, Mita and Campbell. Adam also received the Players’ Player award for her huge shift on the field.

All three grades will head to Phillip next week to take on Royals, before a bye for the June long weekend.

Goulburn Dirty Reds Women 83 (Latavao 5, Cohen 2, Law 2, Adam, Rowe, Mewburn, Waddell tries, Mewburn 9 con) bt Yass Rams Women 5 (Campbell try).

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