Recap

Goulburn Women extend competition lead after 70-10 win over Yass

By PETE OLIVER

A hat trick on debut by Jasmine Bes has seen the Goulburn Dirty Reds complete a 70-10 win over the Yass Ewes.

The win keeps Goulburn’s unbeaten streak alive, and extends their lead at the top of the ACT Women’s 10s table.

Bes’s effort was matched by fill-in flyhalf Chloe Waddell, whose three tries took her to 199 career points for Goulburn. Waddell has thus far had her best season for Goulburn Rugby, carving up defences at will, and putting on shot after shot in defence.

The Reds’ defence and decision making were a vast improvement on last week, and their support play was exemplary. It showed on the scoreboard.

Bes opened the scoring with two tries, before winger Liv Minikin got in on the action and crossed for her first of the day, earning Goulburn a 21-0 lead after eight minutes. Yass hit back with a try of their own, before Waddell crossed for the first of her three tries. Two minutes later, Bes completed her hat trick, capping off an outstanding first half of senior rugby. In the shadows of half time, Yass scored their second, punching a hole in the Reds’ defence.

The Reds picked up where they left off after the break, with Waddell opening the scoring.

Ash Deaton has become the dependable rock in the Reds backline this season. The centre often came in as first receiver, her passing opening up the Reds’ attack and unleashing Waddell and the wingers. She crossed for a well-deserved try late in the game, before Waddell completed her hat trick.  

Captain/Coach Ash Mewburn was strong in her new role of scrum half, filling in for the unavailable Jordan Brooker. Mewburn directed the team around the paddock well, bringing a wealth of experience that most teams could only dream of. The former Brumbies player was nearly flawless with the boot, slotting 10 conversions, however this was spoilt by a flubbed field goal attempt.

Melissa Smith is an absolute workhorse in the pack. She would have been the leading tackler for the Reds on Saturday, while also managing some strong runs around the field. Since the injury to Bella Sheen, Smith has taken over as the line out leader, and simply continues to impress with every game, playing with a skill and energy that makes it hard to believe she’s only played 11 games of rugby. She paired up with Emily Adam in the row, and the pair of them were a formidable force in the middle of the field. Adam showed her trademark strength with and without the ball, and Goulburn welcomed having her influence in the tight.

Again, Goulburn looked best when they ran straight – something the front row took to heart. Sariah Mita, Grace Cummins, and Skye Rowe all made big inroads with the ball, including a bustling run from Cummins that saw her burst through the defence to score. The straight running, coupled with the superb support play from the forwards, allowed the Reds to rumble on.

Every player contributed throughout the match, including the bench when they were called upon. Hunnie Martin made an early entry to the game, immediately getting stuck in, and ensuring the scrum was rock solid.

Joey Wood was a tackling machine in her second ever match, keeping the Yass attack honest with some solid hits, and strong support play.

Courtney Leary made a long-awaited return to the sport after injuring her knee back in July 2021. It was a welcome return for the winger, who has stepped up in recent years as the club physio/strapper, and Leary soon got her hands on the ball.

She may not have been among the try scorers, but Smith’s tireless efforts around the paddock saw her earn the three Best and Fairest points. Bes collected two points, along with the Players’ Player award, while Waddell picked up one point.

A huge thank you to Ben Todkill for stepping in and refereeing the match on Saturday. Both teams appreciated Toddy volunteering his time to ref, and allowing a free-flowing game. Thanks, Toddy!

The Reds women will head south next Saturday, with an away trip to Jindabyne against the Miss Piggies.

Goulburn 70 (Bes 3, Waddell 3, Minikin 2, Cummins, Deaton tries, Mewburn 10 con) defeated Yass 10.

By the clock:

4 mins – Jasmine Bes try, Ashley Mewburn conversion (7-0)
7 mins – Bes try, Mewburn conv. (14-0)
8 mins – Livia Minikin try, Mewburn conv. (21-0)
12 mins – Yass try (21-5)
13 mins – Chloe Waddell try, Mewburn conv. (28-5)
15 mins – Bes try, Mewburn conv. (35-5)
20 mins – Yass try (35-10)

22 mins – Waddell try, Mewburn conv. (42-10)
24 mins – Grace Cummins try, Mewburn conv. (49-10)
28 mins – Minikin try, Mewburn conv. (56-10)
33 mins – Ashleigh Deaton try, Mewburn conv. (63-10)
38 mins – Waddell try, Mewburn conv. 70-10

Best and Fairest Points

3 – Melissa Smith
2 – Jasmine Bes
1 – Chloe Waddell

Players Player

Jasmine Bes