The Temora Rugby Union Club’s women’s side (Tuskerettes) wrapped up the Central West Rugby Union South West Fuels Cup minor premiership following a victory against the Young Yabbettes last Saturday. The Tuskerettes fobbed off the challenge of a spirited Yabbettes side, winning 24-5 in a physical encounter at the Temora Recreation Ground last Saturday. Although the scoreline suggests a comfortable victory, the Tuskerettes were made to work for every point against a Young outfit strengthened by several players from other competitions. The Yabbettes came out firing, dominating possession through much of the opening quarter, repeatedly forcing the Tuskerettes to defend deep in their own half. Despite the pressure, the Tuskerettes’ defence stood resolute, conceding just a single try, with the missed conversion allowing them to regroup. The Tuskerettes gradually wrestled back momentum by lifting their defensive intensity, getting off the line quicker and applying greater pressure, forcing a string of Young errors and starting some attacking raids. After several powerful carries close to the line, the ball found Mylah Maxwell, who crossed for the Tuskerettes’ opening try to level the scores. The contest remained an arm wrestle for the rest of the first half, with neither side willing to budge, however just before the break, the Tuskerettes struck a crucial blow. Captain Kaesha Maxwell stepped past one defender, brushed aside another and raced away to score, giving the Tuskerettes a handy 12-5 halftime lead. The second half followed a similar pattern to the opening stanza, with both teams involved in a physical battle through the middle, but as the game wore on, the Tuskerettes started to assert control through greater possession and field position. That pressure eventually paid dividends when a sweeping backline movement opened space for Abbee Piggott, who crossed for her first senior try for the club. Finishing strongly, the Tuskerettess ensured there would be no late comeback when Molly Greenham produced a clever dummy to break through the Young defence and score the final try of the game. Coach Bill McCrone said his side’s response after a slow start was the key to the win. “They came out firing and we were a bit passive, standing on our heels,” McCrone said. “I challenged the girls to get up in their faces in defence and run harder in attack and the way they reacted changed the game.” The Players’ Player votes reflected a strong team performance, with recognition shared across the squad following one of the Tuskerettes' toughest clashes of the season. McCrone said captain Kaesha Maxwell led from the front with a tireless display, producing several momentum-shifting plays throughout the afternoon. Abbee Piggott, Mylah Maxwell and Paris Jones also featured prominently in the voting after repeatedly troubling the Young defence with strong running that consistently put the Tuskerettes on the front foot. The Tuskerettes face an away game against Boorowa in the final round of the regular competition on Saturday before turning their attention to the finals series.
