The Gunnedah Red Devils women recorded a win and a loss as they had their first hit-outs of the year in last Saturday’s ‘Tamworth Test’ at the Tamworth Rugby Union Club (aka ‘The Nest’).
The Red Devils had a starting team of 10 and two subs in the 20-minute fixtures, with a 20-5 victory against the Tamworth Magpies followed by a 17-5 defeat against the Newcastle Wanderers.
Regular campaigners included Sarah Cavanagh, Elsie Hunt, Abby Nortrup and Madisan Rogers, while Susie Pym returned to the field for the first time this year.
With a few new faces in the squad and some younger players stepping up into the senior ranks, coach Aaron Mosely said the ‘Tamworth Test’ “gave the women an opportunity to practice working alongside each other as a unit”.
“(The Red) Devils fought hard to keep possession of the ball in the first half of the match against the Magpies, (and) this gave the women a chance to practice pod work and feel out positions for the coming season,” he said.
“The match gave us some insight into the workings of a women’s 10s match, which we will be translating into our training.”
Assistant coach Ash Gough said “it was a great experience to play against such good opponents”.
Standout players included Malia Mikaele who “always shows true Red Devil spirit” and was “a quiet workhorse in the back”, according to Rogers.
“She is an incredible support player and made some great runs,” Rogers said.
Of the newcomers, Courtney Jordan played as a prop for the first time and made many standout tackles while being very strong in defence.
Pym said “it was a great hit-out” for the team.
“The test matches have given the team a great confidence boost, and has everyone fired up for the rest of the season,” she said.
“The women are excited to play some proper Red Devil rugby.”
Next for the Red Devils women is round one of the season proper, at Quirindi on April 11.
Courtney Jordan surges forward for Gunnedah in its women’s clash with the Tamworth Magpies. Photos: Gunnedah Rugby Club.
Sienna Burr charges ahead.
