By Sam Turnbull

Saturday the 19th February saw the Castlereagh Cougars host their first home game in Coonamble to the Orange Vipers.

Unfortunately, due to prior commitments the Vipers could only field 3 of their 5 teams with their 15s and Open forfeiting.

The 13s were reduced to playing 9 a side in order to match the number of the Vipers. 

The girls played some awesome footy with key efforts from players; Molly Burges, Zahlee Fernando, Xanthe Gale, Mokoia Britles, Ava Stanton and Sienna Milsom.

Throughout the game, the girls demonstrated some great footy, coming away with a great win 62-12.

Players Player: Mokoia Brittles (Coona), 3 points: Xanthe Gale (Coona), 2 points: Molly Burgess (Coolah) & 1 point: Payton Masling.

The 17s had a much tougher challenge in their game, not only facing the heat of the day, but also a strong Vipers side. 

The girls were keen to get off to good start and play some tough footy. 

The 17s fought hard throughout the whole game, displaying some good skills in both attack and defence. 

Key players Rani Diggs, Missy, Jardi Naden, Sarah Morley and Hallie Hodgen lead the way throughout the whole game. 

ABOVE: Rani Diggs throws herself into a well executed one-on-one tackle with a Viper player. Image: Angie O'Connor

The girls played an extremely close game in the first half before tiring and unfortunately going down 42-22.

Players Player: Hallie Hogden (Dunedoo), 3 points: Rani Diggs (Gilgandra), 2 points: Hallie Hogden, 1 points: Jardi Naden (Gilgandra).

The last game of the day saw the 19s hit the field hoping to continue their great form from the previous week. 

Hoping to make up for missing key players Hannah Carroll and Hayley Andrews the girls went out hard, hitting ground running. 

By playing some great footy and demonstrating strong teamwork, the girls headed into half time leading 24-4. 

The second half saw the Vipers find their feet and hit back, with back to back tries allowing them to make their way back to within 4 points of the Cougars. 

With the Cougars tiring and lacking reserves the girls continued to play hard and showed a lot of heart.

 However, in the last few minutes of the game, the Vipers managed to push a little harder and scored a final try to get the level at 24-all. 

The Cougars were unlucky to cross for a final try with Amarlee Vallette being held up over the line when the hooter went finishing the game in a 24 all draw. 

Key players Shakaye Walker, Ashanti Pennell, Maddy Masman, Amarlee Vallette and Courtney Penfold put in some hard minutes and lead their team around with great spirits.

Players player: Savannah Moore (Brewarrina), 3 points: Ashanti Pennell (Baradine), 2 points: Maddy Masman (Baradine), 1 Point - Amarlee Vallette (Coona).

The Cougars will host Mid-West Brumbies this weekend in Coonamble with the 15s and 17s playing.