By Sam Turnbull

Last Sunday (13 February) saw the Castlereagh Cougars travel to Dubbo to take on the Wiradjuri Goanna’s in their first-round match of the Western Women’s competition.

The day started off with the newest additions to the club, the under 13s, many of whom hadn’t played before.

They started off the game very well, getting out to a good lead, showing some great skills in tackling and passing. 

Individual efforts from Molly Burgess, Zahlee Fernando and Mokia Birtles helped get the team they’re win over the Goanna’s 26-20. 

The next game saw the experienced under 15s hit the field, many of whom have been playing together for a few years now. 

They got off to a shaky start with the Goanna’s scoring the first few tries. 

However, the Cougars weren’t giving up that easy and the spectators got to see some great effort in taking the ball forward from Adda Craig, Tatum Pawley and Sharna Forgione. 

ABOVE: Sharna Forgoine took on three opposition players in Saturday’s game. Image: Castlereagh Cougars Facebook

The girls got fairly tired, coming off back to back defensive sets, but still pulled deep to score their first try with a storming run from Adda Craig to find the line. 

Despite the girls best efforts the tables wouldn’t turn and the under 15s were beaten 18-6. 

Our under 17s side then took to the field during the middle of the day, with the girls keen to get a good hit in and play some tough footy. 

This game was held up at halftime due to a neck injury, with one of the players being unfortunately tackled in an awkward position, requiring an ambulance to take the field.  

The girls valiantly finished off their game after going down 50-0.

The score however, definitely did not reflect the pace and difficulty of the game. 

With the afternoon upon us, our more experienced under 19s team made their way onto the field. 

The girls were extremely keen to play some footy and went out hard, putting in some good effort throughout the game. 

With some great runs from Hannah Carroll and Hayley Andrews helping the team come back from the opposition’s lead of 14-10. 

Some individual game play efforts from Ashanti Pennell, Maddy Masman and Shakaye Walker saw the girls come back, after letting the Goanna’s back into the game due to some tiredness up the middle, to get the win over the Goanna’s 20-14.

ABOVE: Shakaye Walker doing her best to keep the ball out of opposition hands. Image: Castlereagh Cougars Facebook.

Huge credit goes to the girls as they played their game with only 14 players and overcoming a few injuries. 

The last game of the day saw plenty of physicality from our opens who were keen to hit the field. 

The Goanna’s were quick to score their first try but not without resistance from the Cougars who quickly hit back with their first try from Sammy Turnbull out of dummy-half. 

The team went into the first break down 10-6. 

When play resumed the girls showed some impressive plays through the middle from halves Tori Canham and Harriet Messner.

ABOVE: Tori Canham searching for a gap in the Goanna's defence. Image: Castlereagh Cougars Facebook

A quick shift left put Emily Ryan over in the corner, bringing the score to 10-all. 

Despite a few errors from both teams at the start of the second half, some great defensive and attack from the Cougars allowed Tori to score after a barn-storming from Shay Hooper, putting the Cougars up 16-14. 

Not long after the Cougars were lucky enough to score again through prop Channy Burgess, putting the team out a fantastic lead of 22-14. 

The third quarter saw Goanna’s score through some great individual efforts, bringing them back within two points of the Cougars. 

Despite the heat and each team’s rustiness, the game was played with strong effort and toughness. 

The Goanna’s were able to break through the Cougar’s tired defence and score a few last effort tries defeating our opens 30-22. 

This week will see the Castlereagh hosting the Vipers at home in Coonamble for round 2.