Red Devils women rebound for win against Barraba

The Gunnedah Red Devils women returned to their winning ways despite some anxious moments in last Saturday’s Central North rugby union match at Gunnedah Rugby Park.

Following a 42-10 win over Moree in round one and a 43-5 loss to defending premier Narrabri in round two, the Red Devils were at home for the first time this season as they defeated the Barraba Rams 14-10.

Barraba captain Brooke McKinnon scored back-to-back tries before Gunnedah skipper Madisan Rogers returned the favour, with goal-kicking decisive as only the home side’s tries were converted.

The news was sombre for Gunnedah vice-captain Stephanie Lennon, who was sidelined with a knee injury which could be career-ending as she faces another reconstruction.

The opening points came as the siren was about to sound for the end of the opening 10-minute quarter, as McKinnon dashed away despite a desperate attempt from Rochelle Costello to prevent the try.

Shortly beforehand, Costello had foiled a threatening break from Barraba’s Lily Bradshaw.

The 17-year-old Costello made a big impression, as did powerful forward Abby Nortrup and former Dubbo Kangaroos player Jean Littlewood.

McKinnon broke away for a try in the second term, and the final minute of the first half was lost as injured Red Devils forward Lupe Mikaele required assistance.

Mikaele’s sister Malia was brought down with the tryline in sight during the third stanza, but she sustained an injury and was carried off the field as a bit more playing time was lost.

The Red Devils opened their account shortly after winning a scrum against the feed, with Rogers charging through to score near the uprights.

Gunnedah finally put in a kick during the last term, and then two Barraba players comically kicked the ball backwards before one of them fumbled while trying to scoop up the loose ball one-handed.

The Red Devils promptly inched their way forward before Rogers pierced a gap to score her second try and set up a four-point advantage in the final five minutes.

Having returned to the field, Lupe Mikaele dominated the rucks in the dying stages to help the Red Devils preserve their nervous lead.

Rogers said she was really proud of her teammates as they played with “a lot of heart”, while having a home crowd “really helps”.

“I think in the first 20 minutes our defence really let us down, especially our defence out wide,” she said.

“But I think we had a really good chat at half-time and just really spoke about making sure that we were looking either side and just setting up, because they’ve got some speed on their edges.

“We knew we weren’t out of the game, and they were going to chase down some more points, so there was just a lot of effort there.”

Rogers described the Red Devils as “a green team”, especially with some experienced front-rowers down.

“The girls had some work to do but we got there in the end,” she said.

Gunnedah’s men’s first grade team had a bye, while the reserve graders were beaten 40-10.

This Saturday features a competition bye before play resumes on May 24.

RIGHT: Abby Nortrup was a formidable presence for the Gunnedah Red Devils women’s team last Saturday, and is set to line up for representative football this weekend.