This week the Far South Coast Falcons U17s had a bye and the U15s travelled to Jindabyne to play the Falcons' sister club the Miss Piglets on the banks of Lake Jindabyne, their third game in the ACTJRU Girls Rugby 10s competition. The U15s are at the top of the table heading into round 4 this week. The Jindabyne Rugby Union Club turned on the hospitality and the unexpected sunshine. With overnight rain of up to 70mm on the Friday night on the coast, some of us were a little concerned about the conditions in the mountains – but they were nothing short of perfect. The Under 15s Falcons played in the Bega High strip and put on a gutsy performance against Jindabyne. When asked before the match, Coach Harris expected a fired up, physical game that would go the distance and not be decided till the final whistle. “Jindabyne have showed all season that they possess a never-say-die fighting spirit. They don't roll over for anyone and unless we are at the top of our game and ready to get stuck into the ruck contest, they will be victorious,” he said. Seems Harris knows his stuff, Jindabyne came out firing from the kick off for their first home game of the season. The powerful runs and tackles from the Jindabyne girls stunned the Falcons and had them under pressure and reeling from the get go.
Unforced errors, missed tackles and also the unrelenting pressure from the opposition had the Falcons struggling to stay in the match both mentally and physically. While the Falcons were constantly under pressure and scrambling to hold on, they somehow managed to be only be trailing by a small margin when the half time whistle blew. The young Falcons managed to claw themselves back to within striking distance and the second half began with a flurry of action by the Falcons. Whatever Coach Harris said to the girls at half-time had them re-enthused and firing. The Falcons ran in two quick tries within moments of the kick off which saw them take the lead for the first time in the match. What unfolded next was a thrilling, see-sawing affair with both sides unwilling to give in and ultimately going try for try. The lead changed hands on numerous occasions as both sides attacked furiously. The game went down to the final minute, when the Falcons managed to score a last gasp try, giving them the victory 41 points to Jindabyne's 37. While both Coaches would rue missed opportunities, both should also be very proud of the effort that their sides put in, both teams played with tremendous sportsmanship and spirit. The match proved that girls rugby was here to stay and was as thrilling a spectacle as could be hoped.
Round 4 will see the Falcons hit the road again and head to Canberra with the U15s going up against the Vikings Reds. The U17s combined Falcons/Jindabyne team, who are also on top of the table, will go up against Queanbeyan.
Above: Bella Keily of Pambula breaks away during the Far South Coast Falcons' 37-41 win over the Jindabyne Miss Piglets
Above: The spirit of Rugby Union is alive and well with the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club hosting the Far South Coast Falcons on the weekend. Falcons U15s Girls 10s side came home the victors.
