Goulburn Dirty Reds women graft to tough return win against Wests

After four weeks off the field, due to a combination of competition byes and the floods which inundated Goulburn in mid-August, the Dirty Reds took on Wests at Poidevin Oval last weekend.

The 17-10 victory was also a return to the winners' column for the Goulburn women, who were on a two-match skid prior to the extended break.

However, there is still plenty of work to be done for the Dirty Reds, whose fitness appeared to have suffered in the month since their last match.

"We needed a win yesterday to make sure we qualified for semis," Goulburn women's co-coach, Rob Sheekey, said.

"At 17-0 up, we thought we were going to do it pretty easy.

"We ran out of legs. For sure our attack was the best it's been all year, and we've still got a few injuries with players that aren't at 100 per cent."

The break which preceded Saturday's game, Sheekey said, did his side no favours in a season which has already been hugely impacted by COVID-19.

"It was basically five weeks since our last game, it didn't help too much," he said.

"We've had multiple stop-starts, and then played three games. It's not ideal in any way shape or form. Hopefully now we have a clear run to the last three weeks of the season."

The win over Wests effectively assures Goulburn of a spot in finals, as there are only five teams in this year's competition.

Sheekey is glad to have confirmed their finals berth now, ahead of a tough upcoming fixture against the Uni Norths Owls on September 12, whom he described as "laden with talent".

With a number of experienced Brumbies representatives in their ranks, Sheekey knows the Owls are favourites for this year's premiership and will be an immense challenge.

"It's a huge step up in the level of talent against girls who have played with the Brumbies," he said.

"We're lucky to have the three girls in the Brumbies squad but they haven't played a lot of games at that level.

"We'll certainly be underdogs in whatever semi-finals we make, but we're in it and I think we'll make any team nervous."

The Dirty Reds' offensive capabilities will be boosted by the return of Elly Hazelton, who suffered a broken cheekbone in the first round.

Regardless of the results in the final weeks of competition, Sheekey expressed his pride at the team's efforts. They have achieved their goal of reaching the finals, and have built a solid platform for their long-term plan of establishing themselves in the Canberra competition.

"We've achieved a lot, we've got teenagers in that team and a lot of growing to do" Sheekey said.

"We're setting ourselves up and want to make sure we're in the competition for the long haul. We've got nearly 30 players in the squad this year, and this is a huge step up in competition. They've done really well so far."

The Goulburn Dirty Reds women will take on the Uni Norths Owls on Saturday, September 12, from 1.40pm at Poidevin Oval.

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