ST Pat’s has kept a top two Central West Women’s Nines spot in its sights following a mixed bag of results on Saturday at Dubbo’s Caltex Park.
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The Saints sit third on the ladder following a narrow loss to Dubbo Westside (12-10) and a convincing win over the Oberon-Nyngan Tigers (24-0).
Pat’s were denied a win over Westside after a late trying for the hosts, which was converted for the two point margin.
Meredith Jones and Haylee Lepaio scored for Pat’s in the defeat.
Jones was part of the Saints’ Group 10 league tag premiership triumph but for Lepaio it was her first time putting on the blue and white jersey.
“It was a really good game. It just came down to that last try in the last minute,” Lepaio said.
“That was my first game I’ve ever played. It was tough out there with only nine of us playing, so we had no subs.
“It was really fun and … [scoring the try] was really exciting.”
Pat’s were far too strong for an under strength Tigers outfit in their second match of the day.
“They only had eight players with them on the day,” Lepaio said.
“They were a really nice team to play against though.”
For Lepaio, joining the Pat’s fray means she has the rare opportunity to win three titles across three different sports.
She already boasts a NSW State League basketball crown and a Central West AFL women’s premiership.
However, there’s a lot of work Pat’s need to do if they’re to make that happen.
Pat’s are on four points along with Westside and Oberon-Nyngan. Saints have a significant advantage on point difference.
Dubbo CYMS and Orange Hawks now have a two-game buffer over the rest of the competition.
CYMS (+82) carry a narrow advantage over the Hawks (+68) on point difference as the series continues at the same venue this Saturday.
It was an easy time for CYMS in their victory over cross-city rivals Macqaurie, running out 30-0 winners. CYMS then backed up with a tough 16-10 win over Westside.
Pat’s might have enjoyed a league tag grand final win over Hawks but the two blues are the team on top during in the tackle contest.
Hawks’ defence was relentless as they allowed zero points across their two matches.
The Orange club won 34-0 over Oberon-Nyngan and were 16-0 victors against Mountain View Misfits.
“We’ve got three rounds to go. I’ve pulled up a bit sore from this round but hopefully I should be alright for the weekend,” Lepaio said.
“It’s been a good bit of fun for everyone after the end of the winter sport season.”
Bathurst will host a round of the nines competition on October 21.