THERE was no holding back in Bendemeer on Saturday as five women’s rugby league sides battled it out for a spot in next month’s North West Women’s Rugby League grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bendemeer, Inverell, Gunnedah, Tamworth and Armidale make up the competition, and it is going to be either Inverell or Armidale which gets its name on the trophy first.
A scorching day greeted the five teams in Bendemeer on Saturday for the fourth and final gala day of the first ever competition.
Each side played two games, although the hosts volunteered to play a third.
The final game was between Bendemeer and Armidale, with the winner progressing to the final against Inverell.
The third game was too much for Bendemeer, with Armidale just pipping them 16-12 despite a late comeback.
Chantelle Lee was one of Bendemeer’s best and used her pace well.
Bendy coach and competition organiser Hine Reiri is very pleased with the support the competition has received.
“We have been getting good numbers to the gala days,” Reiri said.
“There are some very good players and every team is getting better.”
The recent success of league tag in group 4 and 19 has seen a resurgence of females playing football, and some are keen for further contact.
“We need a venue for the final and playoff games in Tamworth,” Reiri said.
They were hoping to play at Scully Park on October 18, although that date is earmarked as the day that the iconic field gets torn up.
Reiri is still hoping to play the final on October 18, with a ground to be announced.
Bendemeer will play Gunnedah for third place before the main event.
Following the final the competition will be split in two for a Group 4 versus Group 19 end- of-season showdown.
The idea has been talked about in the men’s competition but, as yet, not acted on.
Inverell and Armidale, the two finalists, will combine to make Group 19, with the other three making Group 4.
That clash is also at a date and venue to be confirmed.