The NSW Waratahs Women have delivered a terrific performance to defeat the Queensland Red’s Women 29-nil at Gallas Fox Park in Roma.
The Waratahs came out of the blocks firing, with their forward pack showcasing their physicality from the outset.
Camped down Queensland’s end inside the opening 10 minutes, winger Jade Sheridan nearly crossed in the left-hand corner after a sublime cut-out ball from skipper Georgina Friedrichs, had it not been for some determined Reds cover defense.
But the home side succumbed to the pressure shortly after, with Annabelle Codey coming back to haunt her former team to open the Waratahs account in the 11th minute after muscling her way over from close range.
Fullback Desiree Miller converted from adjacent to the uprights to give NSW a 7-nil advantage.
Five minutes later, Jacinta Windsor extended the Waratah's lead down the right-hand flank, before Friedrichs capped a tremendous individual first-half with a barnstorming try in the 34th minute.
Wallaroos representative halfback Layne Morgan then finished the half in style for NSW, supporting a break from Sheridan to put the Tahs in front by a commanding 24 points at half-time.
Queensland came out with renewed vigor in the second stanza, coupled with the influence of a growing home crowd.
Whilst point-scoring was reduced in the final 40 minutes, several of the Waratahs bench received some valuable experience.
Ruby Anderson and Waiaria Ellis, both 16 years of age and the youngest in the squad, each received some game time which will greatly assist their development as the season progresses.
Ellis made several scything runs late in the half alternating between fullback or flyhalf, whilst blindside flanker Anderson threw the final pass to Miller who scored down the right-hand flank to round out a 29-nil triumph for the Waratahs.
Talented flyhalf Arabella McKenzie led her team around the park with poise and precision and was pleased with the result:
“It was great to get the win here in Roma today,” McKenzie said.
“Whilst there are still some areas we’d like to improve on, there were a lot of promising signs as we continue to build into Round 1.
“Our forwards were phenomenal today and laid the platform for myself and the other backs. I love playing inside of Georgina and Cheech, they’re both great players and we’re forming a really effective combination.
“I am really proud that we kept the Reds to zero, I think Mike (Head Coach Mike Ruthven) will be very happy with that.”
Tries: Annabelle Codey, Jacinta Windsor, Georgina Friedrichs, Layne Morgan, Desiree Miller
Conversions: Desiree 2/5
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