The Tathra based Far South Coast Falcons traveled to Canberra last Saturday to take on Wests Rugby Club in the ACT Junior Rugby Union Girls 10s Competition. This competition is the first of its kind and the Falcons took to the paddock like a team that meant business. Up against a mighty ACT club with a proud Rugby Union history and supporter base, the Under 15 and 17 Falcons showed Wests what the 'Coasties' are made of. The Under 15s girls played a tough, physical game running out the eventual winners to the score of 30 points to 20. While all team members played strongly, Captain Jorja Moore lead from the front scoring a try as did Josie Pearson, Macey Canavan, Jess Howarth and Lilli O'Dea who scored a double. Young Tighthead Prop Holly Christison was particularly impressive on debut with some powerful runs, while Hooker Ava Strang was all over the park and a constant threat to Wests at the breakdown. The Under 17s combined with the Jindabyne Miss Piglets to form an unstoppable team. The Jindy Falcons or Flying Piglets as they refer to themselves, played an entertaining style of rugby and despite injuries, brought down a valiant Wests team 27 points to nil.
Falcon Tamika Millard had a particularly strong game at Fly Half scoring two tries and a conversion. Jindabyne twins Kirra and Rhianna Burke were an ever present threat in attack and defence, while Falcons Brooke Ragen and Taylah Abraham both of Bega, and Jada Flanagan of Batemans Bay, all played strongly and were heavily involved in the match. Their contributions helped the team to its first ever victory. The Far South Coast Falcons are a fledgling club, established just this year, with the guidance of the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club and the support of local businesses. The Falcons homeground is Tathra and the players travel from as far as Batemans Bay and Eden each week to train under nationally accredited Coach Scott Harris.
Coach Harris said, "While the girls were nervous about playing and being part of history - the first ever all girls competition outside of school - they have been training hard for the past five weeks and they were ready to give it their best."
"As teams, both age groups performed well above expectations. They worked hard for each other in attack and defence, showing great character and skill to score some amazing tries. While there is still plenty to work on for next week, as we come up against another quality side in the Uni-Norths Owls, I am really proud of the girls and can't wait to see how the season pans out," said Harris. Next week the Far South Coast Falcons travel to Canberra again to play Uni-Norths Owls Rugby Club, with the U17s combined team playing a curtain raiser at the Brumbies vs. Lions game this Friday night. If you are in Canberra or at the the Brumbies match, stop by say hello and offer your support to the girls, for as the Falcons Club motto states - "Together we soar"
Far South Falcons Fly Half, Tamika Millard of Pambula in fine form playing for the combined U17s team the Jindy Falcons.
Rhianna Burke of the Jindabyne Miss Piglets playing in the combined U17s team with the Far South Coast Falcons, smashing through to a 27-0 win over Wests.
Far South Coast Falcons U15s player Josie Pearson of Bega palming off the opposition in Canberra on the weekend with the Falcons winning 30-20
