MID North Coast Tomahawks

The Tomahawks started the NSW Country Women’s Championships in style with a very strong victory over Central Coast at Tamworth’s Scully Park today.

The Mid North Coast girls dominated the first half with good control and committed defence.

Coffs Harbour’s Greta Smith scored first for the Tomahawks in the 10th minute to lead 5-0.

Wauchope Thunders Renee Clarke scored shortly after to take a 10-0 lead, which was held until Central Coast scored just before half-time.

10 -5 at half time was not a true indication of the game as the Tomahawks had dominated field position for much of the 30 minutes.

Our teams have been finalised and announced on the Facebook site.

Coach Gary Wilson made some tactical changes that paid off in the 2nd half with the Thunders Danielle Buttsworth scoring after 12 minutes, converted by Teleah Waitoa for a 17 -5 lead.

Greta Smith scored again in the 17th minute which was again converted by Wauchope’s Teleah Waitoa.

Leading 24 -5 the girls defended their line bravely before the Central Coast scored again in the 23rd minute.

The win was set up with a strong forward pack with Smith and Naomi George prominent whilst 5/8 Taleah Waitoa and Fullback Daniel Buttsworth were outstanding on the attack.

The final score of 24 – 10 pleased the Coach as he now prepares the team for a semi-final match against Hunter or Central North.

Mid North Coast Axeman

A committed Mid North Coast Axeman team blew New England off the park in the first half at Tamworth Pirates Rugby Park this morning.

Port Macquarie’s Bledyn Gant opened the scoring with a try in the first few minutes, converted by Tala Wilson.

Tries followed Kempsey’s Lulio Tavete, and Southern Cross Uni Marlins trio Josh Rayner, Josh Sketchly and Dave Nicol.

Wilson converted 3 of the tries and the Axeman led 33 – 3 at Half time.

Joe DeDassell made some changes with the game well in control and it took 25 minutes for the combinations to click, but 3 more tries to Blayk Bragg, Josh Rayner and Jeremy Wynn sealed the game before New England scored in the final minute of the game.

In a very solid team performance it was hard to single out anyone, but Gant, Thorn and AJ Gilbert were prominent in the forwards, Chris Watkins, Dave Nicol and Josh Sketchely were always dangerous in the backs.

A 54 -10 win at the Country Championships will set up a final against Central Coast or Western Plains on Sunday morning for the Richardson Shield.

 

By Bruce WORBOYS