Sport
19 April, 2025
Flamin’ Galahs go close in trial hit-out
On a magnificent Autumn Day last Saturday afternoon (April 12) at Gulargambone’s number one oval, the Flamin’ Galahs had their first hit-out for 2025 when they took on the Coonamble ladies in a tri-tag rugby trial.
By Greg King
The Flamin’ Galahs were debuting no fewer than five ladies on the day. Making their debut were Ella Wykes, Rachael Drury, Jess Fleming, Caitlin Spora, and Grace Lummis. They were accompanied by some of the old, experienced brigade of the Flamin’ Galah flock.
The Coonamble ladies were a much-improved outfit in 2024, and the Flamin’ Galahs, knew this, although a trial, was going to be a very tough contest. The Coonamble ladies are going to be one of the top teams to beat in this year’s competition.
From the outset, the Coonamble ladies came out firing. The Flamin’ Galahs’ feathers were a little ruffled from the outset, and their minds appeared to be back somewhere on the beach at Christmas time, drinking pina coladas. Ball security let the Flamin’ Galahs down time-after-time, and this added to more and more pressure in defence, and Coonamble took advantage of this and were soon on the board with a try and led 5-0.
The Flamin’ Galahs regathered themselves and some great eyes-up footy, resulted in scrum half Sarah Chandler ducking down the blindside from a play, and in good support debutant inside centre Rachael Drury was given the ball, and flew down the western touchline and scored to tie up the score at 5-5.
The Coonamble ladies were next to hit back when good backline play saw them score out wide, and this led to the score being 10-5 at quarter time. Ball security in attack and sliding defence was letting the Galah ladies down time and time again. This was addressed by the new coach, Greg King, at quarter time. The second quarter remained scoreless, and great attacking raids were made by both teams. Last year’s player of the year, Paige Wilson, was defusing plays at fullback when breaks were made by Coonamble. Clearing kicks by fly half Caitlynn Mills were effective and relieved the pressure the Galah ladies were putting on themselves by not running hard in attack and slowing down as they met the defensive line, anticipating the tag by the opposition ladies.
The half-time score was 10-5.
In the third quarter the momentum swung the Flamin’ Galahs way as they got some of their mojo back. Great hard running by the forwards was backed up by some good flowing backline play. This led to the debut centre Rachael Drury going in for her second try that was converted by Paige Wilson and the Flamin’ Galahs led for the first time 12-10.
The Flamin’ Galahs continued with the pressure that saw fly-half Sarah Chandler, who was having an exceptional game in attack and defence, go over for the try next to the post. This was again converted by Paige Wilson. This gave the Flamin’ Galahs a 19-10 buffer.
The worst thing that happened to the Flamin’ Galahs was three-quarter time completion. This allowed the Coonamble ladies to get their breath back and take stock. And take stock they did.
The Coonamble ladies were able to score two more tries in the last quarter and came away with a 20-19 win over the Flamin’ Galahs. For a first hit out, this was an extremely entertaining game by both teams.
The Flamin’ Galahs have a few little things to iron out as a result of the trial game, but that is only to be expected for a first hit out. Coach King could not have been happier with the effort put in by all the ladies on the day, and the team will only gel better as the season progresses.
A big thank you to all the players, friends and families of the Flamin’ Galahs that attended the game and made it such a memorable day.
