The Girlanna’s finished the first round undefeated after a top class win in very muddy conditions against the Canowindra girls. The Canowindra girls put together a very good first half that held the more fancied Girlannas in check. The wet conditions made it hard for either side to put together to many attacking moves but the defence and tagging from both sides was very good.

The Tigresses tried hard to crack Grenfell’s defensive line and made a couple of line breaks but great cover from the Grenfell girls stopped these raids in their tracks. The Girlannas were finding gaps but a few unforced errors crept into their game halting their progress and giving the Canowindra girls more confidence. The Girlannas finally put it all together and Holly Bowerman ran onto a beautifully timed pass that had Holly well on her way to the try line. Amanda Livingstone added the extras when she guided the kick between the posts Grenfell 6    Canowindra o.

The Grenfell girls in the second half planned to lift their intensity, cut down on mistakes and work harder for each other. The Girlannas did this and more. A good kick chase from all of the team had the Canowindra side on the back foot. They just couldn’t contain the added attack and the Grenfell girls started to run away with the match. Tries to Alicia white, Christy Wylie, Prue Hancock and Holly Bowerman and two more goals to Amanda Livingstone took the match well out of Canowindra’s grasp. Although the Canowindra girls were well beaten they never gave away the ghost. Final score Grenfell 28 Canowindra 0. Player’s player went to Prue Hancock who excelled on the day.

Goannas down Canowindra in slogfest in Muddy conditions

The Goannas started the match in great style with powerful running and strong defence that took Canowindra by surprise. The Grenfell forwards totally dominated their more fancied opposition on the day and gave the match the boost it needed. The Canowindra players tried to match the Grenfell upbeat tempo but couldn’t match the Goannas on the day. Josh Liebich, Brendan Hewen and Jarrod Foley led the way up front Josh Edwards playing hooker played his best game of the season giving the side good service.

Grenfell’s back line fired with Shannon Lee, Stephen Ingram Manna Aditagane and Dan Harveyson all playing their parts in the sides win. The Goannas played the match with plenty of purpose and really needed the win to keep their top five hopes alive, the win kept them well in the hunt. The Canowindra side is running second on the table and were expected to really challenge the Goannas on the day, they were disappointed in the loss. They have had the wood over the Goannas in previous seasons so the win was much more important to the Grenfell boys. Grenfell raced away to a 12 nil lead Manna scored fist for Grenfell and this put plenty of pressure on the Canowindra players causing them to panic and come up with far too many mistakes.

The Grenfell side capitalised on this and this gave the side the confidence to keep the pressure on. The Goannas had two more chances to put points on the board but a forward pass and a fumble just before the line spoiled their chances. Canowindra are a side that won’t lie down and they kept a slim chance of a win for them when they scored a try against the run of play right on half time. Grenfell went to halftime leading 12 points to 6 but well on top. The second half, Grenfell went straight on the attack with desperate defence, silly mistakes and two penalties for stupid play, keep Canowindra in the game. The Tigers with the extra ball were able to score a try and level up the game at 12 all. This was all that Grenfell needed to get their minds back on the job.

Sam Ingram Lifted giving the side some much needed go forward. Stephen Taylor and Ben Abbott got more involved and Grenfell surged forward. Brendan Hewen Barged his way over for a try. Phil Ingram added the extras and the Goannas were on their way back to controlling the match. Grenfell 28 Canowindra 12. Players player went to Ben Abbott with the whole Grenfell side just behind him. This week we are at home against the Burrangong Bears.