Two unfavourable results in the Group 4 women’s leaguetag competition last weekend quashed the semi-final chances for the Gunnedah Bulldogs.
Gunnedah not only needed to beat the North Tamworth Bears at Kitchener Park last Sunday, but also had to rely on the Werris Creek Magpies beating the Dungowan Cowboys the previous day.
Dungowan’s 16-0 victory cemented a top-four place for the Cowboys at Gunnedah’s expense, before North Tamworth’s 26-6 victory lifted the Bears into second place.
Despite some impressive defence from Bulldogs players including Tara Wilkinson-Ryan and Jacey Ross, Gunnedah never looked a chance last Sunday.
The Bulldogs blundered from the opening kick-off and were under pressure early on, before a fumble over the tryline cost the Bears a certain try.
The respite was short-lived as Rhiannah Hunt scored the opening try, although the pass to Hunt appeared obviously forward.
The Bears erred from the restart, but the Bulldogs failed to profit before North Tamworth’s Amy Barraclough landed a 40-20 kick.
Bree Poetschka cut through to score soon afterwards, before Gunnedah again failed to capitalise on a couple of key opportunities to hit back.
A try to Carly Hatch just 35 seconds before half-time enabled the visitors to secure a 16-0 lead at the break.
The Bulldogs also had chances to apply pressure in the second half, but the Bears kept them out.
Hunt’s second try stretched the margin to 20 points, before Zara Mannion scored Gunnedah’s sole try with just over eight minutes remaining.
Leica Le Brocq touched down for the visiting side in the final three minutes, and Barraclough’s third conversion completed the scoring.
