The North Tamworth Bears will hope for third time lucky in Group 4 women’s leaguetag after securing their third grand final appearance in as many years.
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Sunday’s 28-14 victory over the Gunnedah Bulldogs in the preliminary final at Scully Park set up another grand final showdown involving the Bears and the Oxley Diggers, who won the 2014 and 2015 titles.
Bears skipper Jesse Brown noted that a big difference this year was North Tamworth playing on the weekend preceding the decider after having a week’s break leading up to the previous deciders.
“Having the extra game definitely will help us rather than having the week off,” Brown said.
North Tamworth gained the initiative in the preliminary final as Alice Murphy opened the scoring with a superb individual try as she raced about 60 metres and dodged several defenders.
Leica Le Brocq scored next for the Bears, before Gunnedah replied with a try to Rachel Fulwood.
Mikayla Sweeney evaded the defence to touch down with half-time looming, and Tiahna Paulson converted brilliantly from the grandstand sideline.
A fine try to Paris Knox made the score 22-4 before Gunnedah hit back, and then a converted try to Brown took the Bears to an unbeatable 28-8 lead before Gunnedah scored the final try.
