Sarah Ross, from the Pickers, takes on the powerful Redfern forwards during Saturday’s thrilling 40-38 victory before the Pickers’ home crowd.
A spirited effort from the Maitland Pickers women saw them claim a thrilling 40-38 win over Redfern at the Maitland Sportsground on Saturday.
Playing as a curtain raiser to the Pickers first grade Newcastle Rugby League fixture against Port Stephens, the Pickers women came from behind in the last 10 minutes to claim the two point win and maintain the pressure on first placed Canley Heights.
Coach Mick Young was delighted with the win and the fighting spirit of his team.
“It was to and fro throughout the game, we scored and then they’d hit back, then right at the end we scored two tries; it was a bit nail-biting those last couple of minutes, but the girls did really well,” Young said.
“To our credit we never gave up even when they were in front; to show that kind of spirit to win games I couldn’t be prouder.
“The two games we’ve played against them [Redfern] have been tough, they played really well and didn’t do anything wrong; they played to their strengths with a few big girls up front and speed out wide.
“But we had a game plan and the girls followed it really well.”
While the Pickers have work to do in defence, Young was particularly pleased with his team’s attack.
“Our attack won us the game; we made a few errors in defence and a couple of silly things we can work on, but when we held the ball we scored points,” Young said.
“Our defence let us down in patches but they are a big side and we matched them physically.”
Young also said his team was excited to be part of the Pickers’ game day with the healthy crowd helping his team over the line.
“There were a lot of people there and after the game a lot of the Maitland fans said how much they enjoyed it,” Young said.
“One aspect of the game that league lovers like is the physical aspect and the girls really ripped in; they usually only play in front of family and friends so it was great.”
Young said that lock Margaret Watson was the Pickers’ best, picking up both the players’ player and coach’s awards.