Games are played over 30 minutes on gala days and there are no scrums or goals.

The local girls continue to dominate the competition as they are still undefeated. Taking on second-placed Armidale in their first hit out of the day, they outclassed the opposition with their ball skills and speed after the forwards. The Sapphires did a great job punching it up the middle to see a final score of 28-8 in their favour. 

Tries scored for The Sapphires went to Melissa Molloy, Tahlea Byers, Chokita Brown, Gail Boney, Merander Morgan and Tahlia Roberts (2).

The Sapphires played their second and final game of the day against Tamworth and established an early lead. After 10 minutes of play the score was 12-0, with tries to Tahlea Byers, Cheyanne Munroe and Melissa Molloy.

The match was then called off by the referee after a Tamworth player suffered an serious head injury.

Coaches Derek Boney and Scott Molloy said they are very pleased with the girls’ efforts, and believe their team has the potential to see many of their players considered for representative positions.

The next gala day will be hosted by Gunnedah on August 31, and it is hoped a Group 19 team will be selected to take on Group 4 about two weeks later.

“The gala day at Tingha was very successfully organised by Lawanna Brown and her band of helpers, the people in the background are the backbone of these days.” Boney said. 

“The Tingha Football committee are to be thanked for the generosity of their field, setting up and helping out where ever possible.” 

Boney said local businesses are welcome to jump on board and help the team with their fundraising efforts to keep this successful team on the field, and reminded everyone to stay in touch with the women’s league through their Facebook site.