EXCITING speedster Tess Staines showed her class, but it wasn't enough to propel Riverina's open side into the final of the NSW Country League Tag Championships at Yass on the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fullback Staines, who represented NSW in the under-18 State of Origin clash this year scored four tries across the three games.
The Bulls beat Monaro 30-4 with Staines scoring a hat-trick in their final game and were unlucky to go down 6-4 in their opener against Western Rams.
Greater Southern, who will take on Central Coast Roosters in Saturday's grand final at Wyong, were far too strong for Riverina 24-4.
Riverina open coach Andrew Hinchcliffe said the girls learned plenty going forward, especially against a more battle hardended Greater Southern outfit.
"They taught us a bit of a lesson, they were quite experienced and played a really good brand of football," Hinchcliffe said.
"They play a bit more of a touch football style, really quick and they move the ball well and make it tough to defend.
"It's my first time coaching but I was really proud of the girls, their effort and attitude was really good and we were a bit unlucky not to beat the Rams."
The Riverina under-16s were unlucky not to advance to the final after winning their first game against Western Rams 22-6, before falling narrowly to Monaro Colts 20-16 and eventual grand finalists Greater Southern Stars 10-8.
Hinchcliffe said there is continued interest for a tackle competition to eventually be introduced in the region, but suggested it should be done gradually.
"There's a little bit of an appetite for it, but I'm not sure of the sustainability of a fully fledged comp just yet," Hinchcliffe said.
"Some of the girls in league tag were questioning me about what's happening in the future in regards to tackle, but at the moment maybe some form of short competition is the way forward."
READ MORE
