MOREE rugby women’s 10s handled the tough, muddy conditions comfortably at Inverell Rugby Park last weekend to beat the Highlanders 33-21 in the Central North competition.

Assistant Moree coach Jack Travers said the Moree girls took a lot of positives and confidence out of Saturday’s game, and now look forward to the bye this weekend in preparation for their clash against competition benchmark, Narrabri, at Dangar Park on June 21.

Travers said Inverell Highlanders’ women’s team has struggled with numbers this season.

“But with the help of some other clubs who had no games, they put together a very formative team,” Travers said.

Moree played a decisive game against a strong Inverell outfit, supported by Gunnedah and Barraba, in tough, wet weather conditions.

“The girls were able to put Inverell under pressure down in their half for a large portion of the first quarter,” Travers said.

Millie Swan scored the first try, with Tahlia Gallagher next, allowing Moree to build an early lead in the second quarter.

“Inverell fought back and nearly levelled the score in the third quarter,” Travers said.

However, Moree played to conditions well, clearing the ball out of their own half effectively and building pressure.

Moree rugby women’s 10s beat Inverell Highlanders 33-21 last weekend (Image courtesy of Eliza Watts Photography).

Another try to Millie Swan and two from Lauren Appleby gave Moree plenty of leeway – too much for Inverell to chase down.

Ella Gleeson scored two tries and kicked three goals, with a try also to Madisan Rogers. Moree’s best were Millie Swan (3), Lauren Appleby (2) and Zoe Maunder (1).

“Millie made some great runs through the mud and scored a well-earned double,” Travers said.

“Lauren scored two tries and kicked four out of five conversions, and Zoe played a gutsy game in the middle, taking on the bigger Inverell forwards.”

Over at Dangar Park, Narrabri women’s 10s beat Tamworth 22-17, with two tries and one conversion to Toni Gale, with one each to April Smith and Briana Anderson.

Lauren Daye, Philippa Schoupp and Tomi Gavin each scored tries for Tamworth, with one conversion to Daye.