The Armidale School is through to the semi-finals of the inaugural rugby Waratah W Shield after a nail-biting match against Coffs Harbour’s Bishop Druitt College at TAS, Wednesday afternoon.
In what is the second week of the under 17s schoolgirls knockout, the two regional teams took to TAS Backfield with gusto, vying for a spot in finals day, at Waratah headquarters at Daceyville, Sydney, later this month.
Slick ball handling and focus gave the visitors a strong start to the match, with Charlotte Rickett scoring for Bishop Druitt in the sixth minute. While unable to convert, Bishop Druitt built on their momentum, adding another with Destiny Morris crossing the line just two minutes later.
Defensive tackling which averted key opportunities for the visitors boosted the confidence of the TAS outfit, Molly Chard putting the first points on the board for the hosts, captain Lily Grieve slotting her first for the day.
Not long after, Jayda Cohen forged her way through Bishop Druitt’s defence to touch down in the corner, the unconverted try taking the score to 12-10 to TAS, at the break.
Returning for the second stanza, Bishop Druitt’s Morris bagged her second for the game, with Rickett also crossing for her second and then converting her own try, putting Bishop Druitt back into the lead, 22-12.
Digging deep, the hosts tightened their focus with a try in the corner to Shayla Newcombe comfortably converted by Grieve. Minutes later Grieve slotted a conversion again adding to five points from teammate Ella Vidler.
Bishop Druitt replied with their fourth try of the match, bringing possible victory into sight, but in the final minute, dashed by a try to TAS’ Georgia Henderson and Grieve’s fourth from five with the boot, the hosts taking the game 33-27.
“It took us a bit to get started, we’ve never played at such a high level, but then found our groove. A couple of girls worked especially hard in defence; it would have been a very different score if the girls hadn’t put their hearts into tackling,” TAS captain Lily Grieve said.
“The scoreline going back and forth certainly kept us on the ball, but when we were up at half time, although hot and tired, we knew we had a chance to bring it home.”
Grieve says it will be next level again playing in the finals, but the team are up for the challenge.
“It will be an amazing experience, we’re keen to get down there and show the city girls what we can do, and it’s just a real testament to the heart of the girls and our coach that we have come this far,” she said.
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