The Temora Rugby Union Club’s women’s side (Tuskerettes) was given a wake-up call after losing 10-5 in a hard-fought defensive battle against the West Wyalong Redbacks last Saturday. Playing on home turf at the Temora Recreation Ground, the Tuskerettes entered uncharted territory as they suffered their first defeat of the season in the Central West Rugby Union South West Fuels Cup competition. Despite the loss, the Tuskerettes remain on top of the ladder, but the Grenfell Pink Panthers are closing in on them in second spot on the ladder. The Tuskerettes’ coach Bill McCrone felt his side played into the visitors’ hands as they struggled to find their usual rhythm against a Redbacks’ side that was on the front foot. “Unfortunately, we settled into a low-tempo game that suited Wyalong and didn't play to our strengths,” he said. The Redbacks controlled much of the opening 40 minutes as the Tuskerettes struggled to build pressure after repeatedly losing possession. Strong defence and excellent cover work from the Tuskerettes’ outside backs halted the Redbacks from forging further ahead on the scoreboard. “The Redbacks eventually converted their territorial advantage with an early try and we were fortunate to trail by only five points at the break,” McCrone said. “We emerged after halftime with renewed energy and intensity, and were quickly rewarded when Kamryn Wood crossed for a well-worked try to level the scores at 5-all. “However, the match soon returned to the defensive arm wrestle that had characterised the opening half. “It was West Wyalong who eventually gained the upper hand, scoring a long-range try to reclaim the lead at 10-5.” The Tuskerettes had several chances to hit back in the closing stages, but some promising attacking plays broke down due to poor execution, with unused overlapping runs and passes failing to find their target at crucial moments. However, despite the disappointing result, McCrone took some positives from “one of our worst performances this year”. “We were still right in it at the end of the game,” McCrone said. “It might have been a bit of rust coming off back-to-back byes, but we've got to start our games better. “We are getting stuck in arm wrestles because of how slow we are starting our games, so we'll look at how we can come out stronger.” Some highlights for the Tuskerettes included Mylah Maxwell, who produced a standout performance, including several try-saving efforts in the first half and numerous crucial steals at the breakdown. Consistently trying to be the Tuskerettes’ driving force, Paris Jones impressed with strong running during the second half. There were also encouraging signs from newcomers Abbee Piggott and Caitlin Treble as they looked to handle the pressure in their debuts for the senior side. McCrone is looking for his team to bounce back when they host the third-placed Harden Red Devils in the next round at the Temora Recreation Ground on Saturday. The game is scheduled to start at 1.30pm.
