Sport
22 July, 2024
Historic semi final win for Roosters women
THE Women’s Roosters have something to crow about, after securing a spot in the FNQRLW’s grand final after taking down the undefeated Kangaroos 20-14 on Saturday.
This is the first time the Roosters have taken down the Kangaroos since 2021, marking a historic win in the Roosters' history book.
Kangaroos’ prop Jytte Wallace crossed the try line first, putting a fire in Atherton’s belly.
Hooker Kimberley Bryant was not leaving the field without a fight, scoring the Rooster’s first try of the match and boosting the team’s confidence.
By the break, Atherton led 14-6, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
Kangaroos hit back to have the score locked at 14 all with 20 minutes remaining before the Roosters’ May May Hobbler crossed with eight minutes from the final siren.
Coach Paul Stephens could not believe how well the women played, with the whole team working together to run the Roos off their feet.
“We played a lot faster and did a lot more running from dummy half with our back rowers,” he said.
“We used a lighter pack and basically ran them off their feet. You could tell by the later stages of the game that the Roos were running out of fitness.
“That was the game plan, to try and knock them up, and it worked, and our defence, which we have been working on all year, really showed in this game.
“To keep the Roos at 14 points is nearly impossible, but we did it.”
At the full-time siren, Stephens said there was an eruption of excitement and “happy tears” among the players, but now, as the Roos face off for a grand final spot against Ivanhoes, he is encouraging the team to stay focused.
“It is not over yet,” he said.
“I feel proud and there was a lot of emotion after the win ... but we have to hold that in now because there is one more game left.
“It is time to focus, forget about that game and just play for each other.
“It is the last game and you don’t get to play many grand finals. We are the underdogs no matter what team we play and we know that, but we will use that to our advantage.
“Everyone expects us to lose against one of these teams because they are both very strong sides, but that is what they expected this weekend as well.”
The Roos and Ivanhoes will play this Saturday to secure the final spot in the grand finals.
The grand final game is set to kick off at Barlow Park on 3 August from 4.45pm.
