The Mudgee Dragons women's under 13s side while only in their first year of the Western Women's Rugby League competition, have undoubtedly made their presence known.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last weekend's clash against the Castlereagh side in Forbes was as dominant as ever, with the Mudgee girls marching off with a 26-14 victory, booking their tickets to the grand final despite their open's counterparts falling 36-22 against the Dubbo Goannas.
While the first collection of minutes weren't the best, coach Jett Bodiam says it was the second half of the 50 minute game that sealed their grand final appearance.
"They [Castlereagh] put the first points on the board and kicked it. Our girls put themselves down a little bit because that was the first time a team had scored on them quickly, but they turned it around and put the points back up there," he said.
"We were lucky enough to put some more points on to give us a 10-6 lead heading into half-time, then we came out with our stronger defence.
We put a few more on them and were able to walk away with the win.
- Mudgee Dragons women's under 13s coach, Jett Bodiam
Due to the majority of girls playing in this year's league tag competition, Bodiam knew just what kind of side he had.
"90 per cent of the girls played league tag earlier this year and they got to the grand final there so we knew we had a pretty strong side," Jett said.
"I knew they had a lot of potential in tackle as well because they're a really fit bunch of girls.
"Because we weren't too far out from the league tag season, a lot of our girls had the extra time to bond together and train and maintain their fitness from earlier, that helped us a lot, I think."
Up against the Orange Vipers, who the Dragons fell to in round three, Bodiam says there's no doubt the red and white contingent can get the job done.
"I'm pretty confident we can get it over this side, they're much like us, we don't have the strongest girls in the comp but we're very fit," he said.
"We've got some girls out the back who once we get through the holes are pretty much away.
It's been an awesome experience to coach them and be involved with women's rugby league. I've played football myself for 10 years and it is awesome to continue on with this club.
"I just really hope we can bring this one home."
The Mudgee Dragons women's under 13s side will take on the Orange Vipers at 9.45am at Eugowra Sports Ground on November 24.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
