The Mindaribba Sisters narrowly missed the NSW Aboriginal Knockout title after what dual national representative Bec Young described as one of the best games of women’s rugby league she had ever seen.
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The Sisters were beaten 22-18 in the decider after Redfern scored a try in golden point extra time at Raymond Terrace’s Lakeside Sporting Complex yesterday.
Scores were locked up at each break, 8-all at half-time and 18-all at full-time, before Redfern regathered their own kick-off and crossed for the match winner.
Young, who coached the Sisters alongside husband Mick, said she was disappointed not to claim the trophy but conceded it was a decider of the highest order.
“It was an awesome game,” the former Australian women’s rugby league and rugby union player said.
“It was one of the best games of women’s rugby league I have ever seen.
“Both sides were right in it, no one gave up and no one wanted it to finish.”
Young praised the efforts of her team after multiple injuries depleted her bench.
“We were pretty well down to no one on the bench,” Young said.
“We had a broken arm, a broken rib, two concussions and a neck injury.
“The forward rotations didn’t even exist anymore it was just whoever was out there.”
Young gave special mention to the efforts of fullback Mahalia Murphy and Maitland Pickers centre Zoe Ngahu.
Mindaribba had defeated Moree 20-4 in the semi-final yesterday morning after preliminary round wins against Campbelltown (3-0) and Darwin (28-0) on Friday.
In the junior division finals yesterday the Newcastle All Stars won the under 17s, Kempsey were successful in the under 15s and Moree took out the under 12s.
In the men’s section the Newcastle All Blacks played Walgett in the decider late yesterday after 2011 champions the Mindaribba Warriors were knocked out by title holders the Newcastle Yowies in the quarter finals on Sunday.
