The Kandos Tiara-tahs travelled to Blackheath last Saturday to play Villages in a do or die semi final, this is a grudge match with many of the Villages players originally from Kandos.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With one game each throughout the regular season the winner of this game gained bragging rights over the other for 2016.
The Tiara-tahs had a good roll up of their supporters at Don Bradman oval at Blackheath and came out fully charged and running hot.
From the kick off the Kandos girls made inroads into the Villages’ defence, putting the side from Bathurst on the back foot.
With determined defence Kandos didn't allow the opposition to gain a foot hold in the game.
A quick break from Mel Battersby saw her cross for the first of her three tries for the day.
A break down the side line saw Lucy Quarmby take off along the touch line for a 60m sprint to the line out-running the fullback to score in the corner, taking the Kandos score to 10 points.
A missed tag allowed Villages to get back into the game with try to close the half time score to 10 to 6.
The second half is where the Kandos side showed their superior attack and defensive skills with Mel Battersby scoring her two other tries and fullback Clare Warton, scoring next to the post with a well timed injection into the backline.
Kandos was unlucky not to score two other tries with Tamara Battersby being run down after a long break 10m from the line and captain Emma Ashford weaving her way to the line and popping a pass over the top for Erin Cooper to score, only to have it called forward.
The second half also saw Villages score to get a little closer, with a big question mark on their third try with regards to illegal play and knock-on.
But the Kandos defence held strong to take out the semi final 22 - 18
Captain Emma Ashford said, "I couldn't be prouder of the way the girls stuck to their guns when the going got tough today and the way they all raced in to back each other up shows there has been a good bond formed".
Coach Craig Parsons said that he was happy with the way the side has continued to exceed people's expectations of them.
He said he is looking forward to the rematch with Wallerawang this weekend back at Blackheath for a chance to reach the grand final on September 3.
He thanked the Kandos supporters that travelled to cheer the girls on and to Ray and Julie Odgers at the Kandos Hotel for their sponsorship for this season.
The Tiara-tahs play Wallerawang Warriorettes this Saturday at Don Bradman Oval, Blackheath, at 1pm for a place in the 2016 New Era Cup League Tag Grand Final, and would love as many of their supporters there to see them make the grand final in their first year and cheer them to a win.