By Sarah Stewart
Gunnedah Rugby Club hosted its annual Ladies’ Day event on Saturday, April 20, as the Red Devils took on the Narrabri Blue Boars in all three grades.
The Red Devils’ women’s 10s was the only Gunnedah team to secure a win, beating last year’s premiers 34 to 28, while reserve and first grade lost to the Blue Boars.
The Ladies’ Day tent, with 150 women cheering from the sideline, was the perfect backdrop to the fiercely-contested women’s match.
Gunnedah Red Devils’ women’s side prepares for its clash against Narrabri at the weekend. Also coinciding with the Gunnedah club’s Ladies’ Day, the Red Devils’ women ran out 34 to 28 winners against defending premiers, Narrabri.
In her first game for Gunnedah, Holly Ford was a standout, showing off her fast footwork to score twice for the Red Devils and was named Players’ Player of the game. Other tries went to Jordan Mitchell, Madisan Rogers, and Piper Rankmore (2), with a conversion each for Rankmore and Peta Lawrence.
In the next game of the day, Gunnedah reserve grade started strong and were in the lead 24 to 12 at half time. However, Narrabri fought back to claim the victory 34 to 24. Tries were scored by Matthew Roseby, Alexander Frend, Patrick Grant and Hamish Hockings with two conversions by John Mckay.
The clash between Gunnedah first grade and the Narrabri Blue Boars proved to be another nail-biting encounter, with the Red Devils facing a tough challenge from their opponents throughout the game.
The first half saw Gunnedah trailing as the Blue Boars surged ahead, leaving the Red Devils to regroup at half-time with an 11-point deficit.
Determined to shift the momentum, the Red Devils launched a comeback in the second half, fighting their way back into contention.
Gunnedah Ladies’ Day Fashion in the Field winners Paula Bueno and Lilly Hook. Photo: Kate ODonnell
With a Red Devils victory within reach and just minutes remaining on the clock, the tension reached its peak as the Blue Boars were awarded a crucial penalty. Seizing the opportunity, the Blue Boars launched a relentless assault down the sideline. Despite the Red Devils’ desperate defensive efforts, the Blue Boars managed to breach their line, securing a narrow victory as the final siren sounded.
The final score stood at 28-24 in favour of the Blue Boars, leaving the Red Devils to reflect on what might have been. Despite the disappointment of defeat, there were standout performances from Gunnedah players, with tries scored by Benjamin Hamparsum, Junior Nasilivata, and Ratu Vuibau. Leo Mortimer’s contributions were also noteworthy, with three conversions and a penalty conversion.
The Gunnedah Red Devils will travel to Moree this Saturday to take on the Moree Bulls.
Both clubs are looking to have a third grade team, so any newcomers or previous players looking to pull the boots back on, head to training at 6.30pm on Thursday night.
Ben Hampersum scores a try for the Gunnedah Red Devils on Saturday against Narrabri.
