BATHURST Bulldogs have booked a rematch with Cowra Eagles women in the upcoming Central West Rugby Union grand final thanks to a comeback win over Mudgee Wombats on Saturday.
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Bulldogs recovered from a 7-5 deficit at half-time to claim a 17-12 win over the Wombats at Forbes’ Grinsted Oval.
It sets up a meeting with the Eagles in the decider, the team who made a comeback of their own to knock over the Bulldogs 10-5 in the major semi-final.
The match against Wombats came down to the final possession of the game.
Bulldogs were able to see off one last charge from the Wombats close to their try line. The Bathurst women turned the ball over and booted it out of play, allowing them to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
“It was a close game. Mudgee have some quick runners but our girls played well. All of the girls lifted for this one,” Bulldogs coach Tuma Aisake said.
“I was so happy with them. We were missing five players too.
“At half-time I said to the girls they were going well but for the last 10 minutes they had to go out there and really want it.
“It’s going to be a big day for the girls in the grand final. I say bring it on.”
Bulldogs got the first points in Saturday’s game but Wombats scored under the posts before the break to take the lead.
Bathurst started the second half brilliantly to shoot out to a 17-7 lead before a Wombats try made for a tense conclusion.