Gunnedah Bulldogs RL brave the heat in women’s league gala day

The Gunnedah Bulldogs and Boggabri Kangaroos competed in last Saturday’s women’s rugby league gala day at the Boggabri-based Jubilee Oval, as part of an initiative to have women’s rugby league in Group 4.

Last Saturday’s event was a follow-up to a similar event at the Tamworth-based Scully Park two weeks earlier, when Gunnedah and Boggabri also took part.

After Gunnedah and Kootingal players combined to form one team at Scully Park, the Dungowan Cowboys joined forces with these two clubs last Saturday as numerous clubs were short of players.

With tries worth the standard four points while there were no conversions, Boggabri began with a 20-16 loss to Wee Waa before the Gunnedah-Kootingal-Dungowan team beat the Kangaroos 12-8.

Boggabri subsequently lost 32-20 to North Tamworth-Werris Creek, before the hosts finished with a 12-all draw against Moree.

Gunnedah-Kootingal-Dungowan drew Wee Waa 4-all, before beating North Tamworth-Werris Creek on forfeit.

Gunnedah coaches David McCann and Matt Durrant were full of praise for all players who took part in the scorching heat.

After scoring four tries at the gala day in Tamworth, Gunnedah’s Piper Rankmore stood out again last Saturday as she showed her talent while also passing on her knowledge to youngsters including Jacey Ross and Leni Wicks. Courtney Evans and Dakota Durrant also showed impressive skills, while the newcomers acquitted themselves well.

Greater Northern Tigers League and club support co-ordinator Cody Tickle said surveys, discussions and meetings would take place as part of the process of implementing women’s rugby league in Group 4.