Match Report - Waratahs Women push through heat for gritty win over the Reds

Sat, Feb 11, 2023, 12:29 PM
Waratahs Media
by Waratahs Media

Santos Festival of Rugby provided the NSW Waratahs first victory of the season in Narrabri

It was a hot start for the NSW Waratah W side in their first trial game against the Queensland Red W. At kick-off it was 36 degrees in Narrabri NSW, the heat proved to be the toughest competitor for both sides as the first half finished scoreless.

Some hard straight running from Katlina Amosa, Fi Jones and Britney Merlo allowed NSW to get on the front foot, in addition to a few penalties from QLD. However, NSW discipline and ruck speed let them down.

After a tough midfield battle in the first half and some fresh legs on the field, from a rolling mall close to the line the Waratahs were able to send the ball through the backline, Katrina Barker than threw a 15-metre cut out pass to young star Caitlyn Halse to bag her first try of the season. Finally, after 60 minutes there were points on the board. 5-0 Waratahs.

A sideline kick from Halse within her forty rolled down 10 metres out from the QLD Reds line. A quick recovery from NSW and poor discipline for the Reds allowed for penalty right in front of the sticks, the penalty was converted, and the score progressed to 8-0

Penalties from NSW allowed for the Reds to slowly move into an attacking position, and through a couple of phases they scored a try in the corner with just over 5 mins left - score 8-5

A quick hit back from NSW with 3 running offloads landed the women centre field 5 metres from the try line. Some quick hands saw the ball spread to the left wing with Margot Vella scoring in the corner. The kick was unsuccessful with the score finishing at full-time, 13-5.

The hot weather tested both sides but a young enthusiastic Waratahs team prevailed. Martha Harvey stood up and provided clean service from the breakdown on her home turf, whilst Charlie Norton and Georgia Chapple were physical in the mid-field and won turnovers which shifted the momentum of the game.

This victory saw the NSW Waratah Women take home the 2023 Santos Cup and set up for an exciting trial tour in New Zealand later this month.

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