Hay Magpies take historic Group 20 win
Hay Magpies’ premiership winning women’s tackle team (back row from left) Glenn Sorensen (trainer), Zoe McRae, Di Plum, Monica Andrews, Kayla Barrett, Lily Weymouth, Emma Heywood, Tahnee Wagstaff and Kiji Vatunino. Front row: Hannah Stewart, Wendy Gonevulavula, Jessie Carter, Ashley Sterchow, Imah Novoto and Neil John Nisbet. Images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade
By Krista Schade
Hay Magpies won Sunday’s Group 20 women’s tackle grand final, to secure their place in history as the first premiership team of the competition, and the first women’s tackle team from Hay to win a cup.
After losing to Tullibidgeal Lakes United (TLU) Sharks in the first week of the finals, Hay caused an upset in the semis, beating Griffith Black and Whites to book the grand final berth.
On Sunday they again faced off against the highly favoured Sharks, who spent most of the season playing together as Barellan in the ProTen Cup.
Despite the underdog label, Hay has shown improvement in every game. The lead up to the grand final match was textbook; the club hosted a barbecue at training where former Magpies greats addressed the team, then team mate Emma Heywood pulled together a surprise two-part video which aired on the Club’s social media. Family and friend sent their best wishes, alongside former Magpies and NRL stars, NRLW players and celebrity cameos.
The momentum within the club, the team’s preparation and effort shown at training created the perfect storm for Sunday’s encounter, and from the kick-off it was clear Hay wanted the win more.
The Magpies were without the services of Zoe McRae, who suffered a concussion in the semi-final, and captain coach Jessie Carter carried a heavy knee injury into the game. Lily Weymouth stepped into the hooker role and played an almost flawless game.
“The team covered the injured players, and that made the difference” mentor Neil-John Nisbet said. “Lily gave great service in hooker put the ball where it needed to be.”
Carter agreed. “Lily Weymouth had big shoes to fill stepping into the hooker position and didn’t fail to make ‘Macca’ proud I’m sure.”
TLU scored first after landing some big shots on the Magpies, who withstood the onslaught with determination. Ashley Sterchow refused to be intimidated, as did Kayla Barratt and Imah Novoto.
Hay hit back with their own try, after grinding possession gave Wendy Gonevulavula space to outpace the Sharks, and Kiji Vatunino added the vital conversion to even the score.
Carter was helped from the field with three-minute remaining in the first half, and spent the time on the sideline loosening up her injured knee. Vatunino moved into the half-back role and Monica Andrews slotted admirably into the second row.
TLU scored again to take a 10-6 lead into the break, and incredibly Carter lined up again in the second half and played out the match.
Gonevulavula pulled off an impressive dummy and streaked away to score her second try, to put Hay in front for the first time. Vatunino scored next to give Hay breathing room. The Fiji connection has been a boost the Magpies ranks, and the skill and expertise of the trio was on display in the grand final.
Back-to-back penalties against Hay allowed TLU to cross in the final minute of the game, however their one missed goal proved the difference.
Player of the grand final Wendy Gonevulavula with presenter Neil-John Nisbet and Group 20 president Adam Brill.
Hay was well served by Hannah Stewart, the cross-code star who spent last weekend helping to secure Hay Lions first ever A grade netball premiership.
“The entire team stepped up,” Carter tole The Riverine Grazier. “We knew it was going to be tough but everyone ripped in and did their job. Ashley Sterchow, Hannah Stewart were phenomenal in all round and Wendy Gonevulavula was instrumental in our attacking plays.”
“It was a deserved win after training hard all year as a team,” Nisbet said. “A big thank you to those players who took to the filed early in the season, and helped us get to the win.”
“I’ve won premierships when I was younger but to be the captain/coach of the side is a next level experience,” Carter added. “I can’t express how proud I am of each and every one of the players.”
Wendy Gonevulavula was deservedly named the inaugural winner of the Rachael Pearson Medal for player of the grand final.
Final score: Hay 18 (Tries: Wendy Gonevulavula 2, Kiji Vatunino. Goals: Kiji Vatunino 2, Wendy Gonevulavula) defeated TLU Sharks 16.
