Abbi Spooner made the decisive mark on Sunday’s sudden-death semi-final by throwing her full frame of 55kg into the winning try and saving another.
Spooner has just turned 18 yet her aplomb from fullback was vital as Easts tipped out Wests 10-3 in a tense all-or-nothing affair in the StoreLocal Premier Women’s competition at Sunnybank Rugby Club.
The name should be familiar because she is the daughter of former Wallabies flyhalf Nathan Spooner, a pivotal figure in the Queensland Reds’ run to the Super 12 semi-finals in 1999.
A penalty goal to Wests flyhalf Nicole Ledington looked likely to be the only score of the first half until Carys Dallinger levelled on half-time with an excellent strike from 35m out.
The decisive play came 10 minutes into the second half when wing flyer Piper Flynn made a sharp run and drew several defenders.
The ball she laid back was swooped on by Spooner who dived over.
Pushing passes and handling lapses stalled the momentum of both sides yet there were players who rose above the stop-start play.
Wests skipper Dillyn Blackburn was the standout forward on the field from flanker. Her running game, her sure takes in the lineout and willingness in defence all had the mark of a player destined for higher honours.
Blackburn is a Gympie product. At 21, she has been a major factor in the Bulldogs rising from seventh last year to fourth this season.
Lock Ashlee Knight and Blackburn combined to put replacement Ella Hopper over the line. Spooner managed to get under the ball to prevent the grounding and the Bulldogs’ best chance was gone.
Spooner was delighted that Easts had won through to the preliminary final against Sunnybank at GPS Rugby Club next Sunday.
“It’s where we all want to be. Piper’s great run drew the defenders and gave me the chance,” Spooner said.
“It’s my first season up from juniors. It was tough getting used to the physicality to start with but all the girls have helped me adjust.”
Blackburn was positive even if downcast.
“You look at how much we have improved in a year. That’s really pleasing for all the girls and we can build further on this,” Blackburn said.
“Being held up over the tryline was the game-changer. It was a game where a different five minutes at any stage could have made a big difference.”
EASTS 10
Try: Abbi Spooner
Conversion: Carys Dallinger
Penalty Goal: Carys Dallinger
Def
WESTS 3
Penalty Goal: Nicole Ledington
