RUGBY LEAGUE
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The Maitland Pickers women’s team are only a win away from a grand final appearance in their maiden season after claiming a brave 22-12 win over Auburn.
In windy conditions at Bankstown on Saturday, Maitland jumped out to an 18-4 lead in their Sydney Metropolitan Women’s Rugby League competition elimination final before holding off a
late second-half resurgence from Auburn to book their place in the grand final qualifier.
Maitland Pickers captain Bec Young was delighted with the win and the effort from her team.
“It was great, we were going all right at half-time and then came back in the second half,” Young said.
“We only had 15 players and that went down to 13 with injuries.
“Everyone did their job, which was great.”
Young said her team’s ability to carry out coach Mick Young’s instructions had been a big factor in the 10-point victory.
“I think we won it with our game plan, as soon as we stick to what Mick tells us to do we do well,” Young said.
“He always gives us a simple game plan and when we get a quick play the ball and get our roll on, other teams struggle to defend it.”
Hooker Casey Cameron has been in impressive form since her shift from the halves took out the Pickers’ players’ player award.
It has been an outstanding season already for the Maitland girls but Young believes there is enough in her team to achieve the perfect end to their 2012 campaign.
“We came third [in the regular season] and I wanted to at least make this final,” Young said.
“We deserved to be up there with the top teams and I know in speaking to people the other teams are shocked that we were that high.
“When I went to the NSW board at the start of the year they asked me if we’d be able to compete because they were worried we wouldn’t be up to the standard of the competition.
“So I’m extremely happy and Mick couldn’t be prouder.”
Maitland will now travel to Christian Brothers Oval at Manly on Saturday to take on Blacktown for the right to face minor premiers Canley Heights in the grand final.
Kick off is at 2pm.
