Sport
6 January, 2024
Best of 2023: Grand Galah’s in grand final
The Flamin’ Galahs have made their way into their second consecutive Western Plains Rugby Women’s Touch Seven’s grand final with a convincing 35-10 win over the Warren Pumarettes in Walgett on Saturday, August 26.
The Flamin’ Galahs winged their way for the second consecutive week to Walgett to take on the Warren Pumarettes in the final. Hot conditions met the ladies and when they took the field at 12.30pm the temperature was sitting at a stifling 28 degrees celsius. Coach Zac Mills knew that a good rotation of his reserves bench was going to be a must, as the Flamin’ Galahs had the luxury of six reserves to the Pumarettes two.
The game started with both teams trying to conserve their energy and it was not long until the Pumarettes found a gap through the Flamin’ Galahs backline and hit the scoreboard and led 5-0. The Flamin’ Galahs regathered themselves and Tahnee Carr came into her own and scored a try of her own grubber kick through the defence. Minutes later Teagan Watt found room on the wing and ran away for a great solo try. Right on the stroke of the quarter-time hooter Fiona Wright found a gap and ran away also to score. That gave the Flamin’ Galahs a 15-5 lead. The second quarter saw both teams go toe to toe and the Pumarettes were giving a good account of themselves. Coach Mills rotation of his ample reserves was starting to wear down the Pumarettes. The halft-ime score was 15-10 to the Flamin’ Galahs.
In the third quarter the Flamin’ Galahs slow wore down the Pumarettes. Paige Wilson scored from her own grubber and at the completion of the third quarter the score was 20- 10 to the Flamin’ Galahs.
In the last quarter Gulargambone dominated, and as gallant as the Pumarettes had been, fatigue was setting in. Maddie Thomas scored from her own grubber and not long after Paige Wilson took advantage of some tired Pumarettes defence who had not retired back, and were offside, and scooted through twice to score. The score at the end of the game was 35-10 to the Flamin’ Galahs.
This game was a hard physical match with no quarter given. Played in hot conditions and the defence worked overtime. This game has been an ideal preparation for the Flamin’ Galahs for this week’s grand final.
The Flamin’ Galahs will now recoup for the week and set a game plan to take on the all-conquering Walgett Ewes at Warren this Saturday.
The Flamin’ Galahs have had a good look at the Ewes and what they have to deal with in their loss last week against them. They now meet the Ewes on neutral territory this week. The Flamin’ Galahs had a tough physical hit out against the Pumarettes that will see them in good stead for this week’s grand final. Coach Mills and fitness coach Greg King will be in overdrive this week to have the ladies cherry ripe for Saturday’s game.
A big thank you to the small band of loyal supporters who made their way out to Walgett on Saturday to support the team. The Flamin’ Galahs would like as many supporters as possible to make the trek to Warren on Saturday to support them in the grand final.
Player’s player for last Saturday’s game was Sarah Chandler. Three points went to Teagan Watt, two points to Stef Presland, and one point was shared between Abigail Phillips and Caitlynn King.
GO THE FLAMIN’ GALAHS!
