Two points was all that separated the Karuah Rooettes from a Country Rugby League Women’s 9s championship but despite the outcome, you could not wipe the smile off the faces of the women who gave it their all.
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The Rooettes were among some 800 rugby league players from under-12s through to the open age groups that travelled to Berkeley Vale for the Central Coast and Hunter Women’s 9’s finals in late November.
The Rooettes, who finished the seniors season in fourth place, first faced minor premier’s University for a spot in the grand-final against Kincumber.
University scored the first try and converted to lead 6-0 at halftime.
Karuah adjusted its defence and started the second half with determined running from Ashley Bills, Casey O’Bryan and Jess Neilson. Ebony Oakley capitalised on an opportunity to score from dummy half. Quick-witted Tamara Smith snuck over the try line to score moments before the final buzzer sounded to see the Rooettes win 8-6.
With a passionate and vocal crowd behind them the Rooettes started the grand-final game strong with Neilson dragging a Kincumber player out the sideline to give Karuah an opportunity to attack early.
Oakley capitalised, scoring a try from dummy half. Kincumber bounced back and scored a long-range try. Karuah led 10-6 at halftime.
The Rooettes were fast out of the blocks in the second half but Kincumber fought back and and won the game 16-14.
