By Gary Holmes

The Girlannas were defeated by the Canowindra Tigers on Sunday by 26-8 after they were down by 14-4 at half-time.

This was an elimination final, so Grenfell bow out for 2025 whilst the Tigers live to fight another day.

Players and spectators were greeted at Oberon sportsground with overcast and cold conditions punctuated by intermittent rain, drizzle, and sleet and a maximum temperature of 8 degrees.

The game started with Grenfell putting plenty of pressure on the Canowindra line, but they were able to weather the early storm and keep their line intact.

Canowindra were then able to skip away to a very handy lead of 14 nil and this included three tries after moving the ball around stylishly in the difficult conditions. It appeared that the Tigers would go right on with the job but the never say die attitude of the Grenfell girls that has been evident all season shone through again when they scored tries either side of half-time to Faith Smith and Breanna Anderson.

Canowindra led 14-8 with plenty of time left however they were able to seal the result with two more converted tries before the final hooter. One of the big differences between the two teams was the speedy Tigers outside back Laura Price who scored three tries and she caused problems for the Girlannas defence all game.

All the Grenfell girls tried hard with special mentions to Emily Brenner, Chelsea Harveyson, Breanna Anderson, Ella McRae, and Marley Loader.

That wraps up a successful year for the Girlannas who started the season slowly but they improved with every game and in doing so they kept up the tradition of past years where they never give in and they scrap hard in each and every match.

A big thanks to everyone who helped the team this season including the Water Runners, First Aiders, and Assistant Coaches. Last but not least Coach Ty Ashe needs to be congratulated on the time and effort he has put in this season and his ability to get the girls going after their slow start to the year.