It wasn't the result the Mudgee Dragons under 18s side were looking for in their semi-final clash against the Orange Vipers in the Western Women's Rugby League competition on the weekend, but their coach couldn't be prouder.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Heading into the match, under 18s coach Greg Ward was feeling like the Dragons had a 50-50 chance against Orange.
"I was feeling confident that we could match them," he said.
But, it just wasn't meant to be.
"They did have a few quicker players which was evident last time we went up against them but the girls were up spirit and keen to go," Ward said.
"The main thing was that they starved us of the ball.
We made some fundamental silly errors and they turned over the ball a lot in the first half which allowed Orange to run us ragged.
- Greg Ward
"They had the opportunity to rotate a lot more than what we did as they had 17 players compared to our 12, but just a few silly errors in the first half, and we had to defend a lot in the first half, it just made it hard on the girls to be able to put things together when we did have the ball.
"They were down in the dumps a little bit looking at a missed opportunity but we're very thankful for everyone in the club who supported them through the year."
However, Greg says the girls have done everyone involved proud having gone as far as a semi-final in their first year, despite taking a loss of 52-16.
"We came away with a loss but all in all the girls have done themselves, their families and the club proud," he said.
"It's just fantastic, I can't praise the girls enough.
I'm lost for words actually because of the improvement they've shown through the very short season and competitive season, they're a great bunch of kids.
"I came in round three and took over coaching from Shan Beasley who kicked the girls off for the season, from then on the whole lot of them who have never played a game of rugby league, absolutely improved out of sight.
"It's just outstanding, and it absolutely surprised the heck out of me with how quickly they picked the game up and how determined they were once they got their first win, they were just a bunch of different girls ready to take on the next week.
Read more | Sport that made headlines in 1997
If coach of the side next year, Ward says the Mudgee team could be a real force to reckon with.
As a club and as a unit, I think we can take it that one step further and really give the comp a shake next year.
"If I get the opportunity to coach them next year I would love to take them further.
"A few of them are looking forward to next year already which is a bonus and a surprise."
VIPERS 52 (Libby Smith 2, Kiara Sullivan 2, Oni Tuinakauvadra 2, Ella Barrett, Taneisha Burns, Lilly Freeman, Tabua Tuinakauvadra tries; Kiara Sullivan 4, Ella Barrett 2 goals) def MUDGEE DRAGONS 16 (Alex Knihincki 2, Grace Quinn tries; Georgia Ward 2 goals).