THEY are only new to rugby league, but the passion the under 13 Panorama Platypi have for the sport could not have been more clear when the final whistle sounded in their game against the Midwest Brumbies on Sunday.
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There were hugs, there were screams of delight and there were piggybacks as the Platypi celebrated a 24-20 win over the Brumbies at Jack Arrow Oval.
The result was sealed in thrilling fashion as they came from a 16-point half-time deficit to snatch victory with 61 seconds left on the clock when Tilly Hancock found her way over the line.
While there was no major prize on the line, the Platypi celebrated like they did because it was the first time they had won.
The victory also came in their third and last match of the Western Women's Rugby League's new development series.
"It's a shame that's their last game because they are just starting to get the hang of it. They are a great bunch of young girls and it's a good concept and I hope it continues," Platypi coach Kurt Hancock said.
"Last week it was when they got into their second quarter you could see it, they were starting to make their tackles, they were starting to gain a lot of confidence. The first week they were a bit shy in what they were doing, but today they had to fight their way back into the game and they won it in the last minute."
The young Platypi made a good start to the match when they scored their first try after just four minutes. A good kick chase earned them repeat sets and two plays later Laura Holden scored.
That made it 4-0 at quarter-time, but the second period belonged to the Brumbies.
Brumbies second-rower Alice Godfrey showed her talent as she made huge yards every carry and broke numerous tackles to get her side in good attacking positions. She scored one of three tries as the visitors shot out to a 20-4 half-time lead.
There was some good talent in both teams and hopefully the Group 10 area plus all the Western Rams area, it's going to be pretty strong in the future.
- Kurt Hancock
While down, the Platypi were not out. Lock Andy Miller and centre Evie Scott made good yards and Gabby Dray kicked well as the hosts clawed their way back into the match.
By three-quarter-time it was 20-16 then with six minutes left on the clock, they created an overlap on the left wing to add another try via Jess Gearside and lock it up at 20-all.
The comeback was then complete with 61 seconds left.
While Hancock was thrilled to see his side notch up a win, he was more excited about the notion of building on the inaugural season for the under 13s.
He has seen enough talent in his squad and those of the Brumbies and Woodbridge clubs to know it is a concept worth supporting.
"It's not so much about winning, but try and tell them that, that's what they wanted to do. When they go a sniff that's what got them over the line in the end," Hancock said.
"There was some good talent in both teams and hopefully the Group 10 area plus all the Western Rams area, it's going to be pretty strong in the future.
"The skill level is getting there so I'll be trying to do a bit more of this stuff throughout the year so when it comes to the comp next year, they'll be a bit more ready again."
