Red Bend has claimed the 17s league tag premiership in conditions made tough by the wind at West Wyalong.
The grand final came down to one last game between our two Forbes clubs and Red Bend coach Nick Jones said it was a show of the strength of the sport here.
An early break by Ruby Jones set up a runaway try for Izzy Nicholson to get Red Bend away to a good start despite running into the wind.
Magpies hit back quickly, with a great try to Matilda Stitt levelling the scores.
They took the lead when Charlotte Hoey picked up a loose ball to score in the corner to make it 8-4 at half time.
Latest Stories
Red Bend returned to the field strong with a try to Ruby Coote in their first set of the second half.
A conversion from the sideline by Ruby Jones was the only difference between the teams with Red Bend holding a slender two-point margin until the dying minutes when another Ruby Coote try extended the lead.
Ruby was named player of the grand final for her efforts.
Red Bend league tag coach Nick Jones said the final 16-8 score was not a true indication of how close the game was.
“Both teams showed great skill and determination in extremely tough conditions,” he said.
“(Red Bend) based our game on teamwork and effort in defence; I am so proud of what this group has been able to achieve.
“It has taken months of hard work and commitment, and they deserved the win on Saturday.”
Jones said Red Bend knew in advance the Magpies would be tough competition and heading into the match, either team could have won.
“That two Forbes teams were able to make the grand final just shows the amount of talented female rugby league players this town has produced,” he said.
“I expect Red Bend and the Magpies to dominate League Tag for years to come.”
