GRAFTON Women’s 10s side sent a timely reminder to the rest of the competition with a barnstorming 72-0 win over Port Pirates on Saturday.
With a mountain of possession, Grafton were relentless against last year’s premiers in a 12-tries-to-nil demolition job.
The Redmen were at fever pitch from the outset and never gave the home side a look in.
Tamar McHugh, in her first game as captain/coach, was still pinching herself after the game, as prior to kick-off she thought her side would be in for a hard-fought battle.
“We went into the game for a grand final rematch expecting it to be a close contest and one of the hardest games of the season,” McHugh said after the match.
“But to be fair to Port they had a new-look side…I only recognised two players from last season. It seemed some of the new players were still learning the game and full credit must go to Em Curry who did her best to lead their side and give them direction.
“I know what it’s like, we were in the same position a few years ago and it is a really hard task.”
McHugh added her side enjoyed a ton of possession and starved the opposition by dominating the breakdown and putting pressure on them in defence.
“We had the majority of possession and when Port had the ball, they turned it over due to our crushing defence and discipline around the ruck forcing errors,” she said.
For McHugh, the quality of their outside backs and a few tweaks at training during the week made a huge difference to their overall attack.
“The connection in our attack was the standout. We had Steve Hackett come down to training on Friday night and do some work in attack for us,” McHugh said.
“His advice really helped us, and we were able to create so much more space for our backline today.”
Once again speedsters Carla Dougherty and Yuri Fuller dominated the scoresheet while up-front Ebonee Weavers and Roxy Kilduff were outstanding.
“Carla and Yuri were fantastic today and showed plenty of stamina at the backend of the second half…it’s what win’s games,” The Redmen captain said.
“Another two players which deserve a mention are Roxy and Ebonee. Roxy was superb in defence and in attack bumped off defenders throughout the game.
“I knew Ebonee could find another level and she did today. She took on the line with plenty of confidence, played eyes-up footy and produced a try-assist.”
Grafton have now won their first two games of the season, and for the Redmen captain/coach exciting times lie ahead.
“I set out a job for players individually and as a team and they responded, and that’[s a true testament to their ability and I can’t take credit for that,” McHugh said.
“But I am excited to see where I can take the team this season with the full support of the club and coaching staff.”
In other games the under-14 Redmen dug deep to record an inspirational 46-26 victory over Port. With no subs to call on and playing with just 13-players Grafton produced a miraculous win against the odds.
Redmen second grade came from behind to notch up their second win of the season defeating Port 24-17 while in first grade it was a case of déjà vu finding themselves once again on the wrong end of the penalty count.
Last week against Snappers Grafton were hammered in the penalty count 22-7 but managed to hold on for the win however, against Port on Saturday, it was a mountain too high to climb going down 22-17 in a controversial game.
Grafton scored three tries to one with five penalty goals by Pirates proving the difference on the day.