The Far South Coast Falcons Rugby Union teams traveled to Jindabyne last weekend and brought home two more wins. The Under 15s beat Jindabyne White Queans (Jindabyne/Queanbeyan) 32-39 in a tough game at the picture perfect J.J. O'Connor oval, also known as the Pig Pen. Tries to Hayley Robertson (Bega), going under the posts in the first few minutes, followed in succession by more Bega players Jess Howarth, Josie Pearson, Grace Toomey and also Bella Kiely of Pambula.
As expected, Jindabyne proved to be a tough side that plays hard, physical country rugby in the under 15's game. As the Falcons' sister club, the girls know each other very well and this leads to close, hard fought encounters. Both sides have the skills and knowledge of how to nullify the threats the other provides. The attacking play of Hayley Robertson, Jess Howarth and Josie Pearson was key to getting us off to a good start and finally securing the win. Bella Kiely's power and Jasmine Trickey's scything tackles proved crucial to stop Jindabyne's willing runners. She will need another top effort this week coming, as will the rest of her teammates.
Falcons and Flying Piglets' coach Scott Harris, shortlisted by the ACT Brumbies for ACT & SNSW Junior Rugby Union's volunteer of the year, said "While as a Coach I am happy with the win and the girls fighting spirit, we need to keep improving as we play Wests Rugby Club at Tathra this weekend and after that the competition Finals begin."
The Under 17s combined Flying Piglets team made up of players from the Far South Coast Falcons and Jindabyne Miss Piglets, beat Royals (ACT) in Jindabyne by 'a lot to not very much' as the local ground commentator very kindly called it. Tries to Brooke Ragen (Merimbula), Bella Kiely (Pambula), Tamika Millard (Pambula), Rhianna Burke (Jindabyne), Kirra Burke (Jindabyne), Yas Williams (Cooma), Ash Steinke (Cooma), Charlie Foster (Canberra). The score was 80-0.
The Flying Piglets continued in their current dominant form with a ruthless performance which left the Royals defence in tatters as the girls created mayhem both in close and in the outside channels. Once again the twins Kirra and Rhianna Burke were hard to contain, while Sam Small and Tamika Millard pushed the team around the park. The most entertaining to tries to watch came from Charlie Foster and Merimbula's Brooke Ragen. Both scored long range tries on the wings after the forwards had the team surging up the middle and on the front foot. This week they face the equally dominant Wests Under 17's, a team packed full with current Brumbies players and one of the best backlines in the competition.
Both Falcons' teams remain focused as they head into the last games of the round, to be held at Tathra Beach Country Club from 2.30pm on Saturday 19 August. West (ACT) are travelling to try and stop the Falcons raging into the finals unbeaten.
Canberra's Wests are a strong, organised and well balanced side with big, aggressive ball carriers in the middle and skillful, pacey backs who can shift the ball with precision. Falcons' and Flying Piglets' defence will need to be focused and have aggressive line speed to stop the threats they provide. It will need top defensive effort next Saturday to try and keep them out. It's going to be another epic encounter for the Falcons and Flying Piglets.
The teams will need the support of families, friends and communities to help carry them home in games that are sure to ebb and flow. Both the Falcons and Flying Piglets are in with a real shot of going through as undefeated Minor Premiers, so come on down, be noisy and be supportive and help the Falcons and Flying Piglets close out the competition rounds and soar into the Finals.
Everyone is welcome to the games and to join the teams and their supporters afterwards in the club. From 6.30pm Wallabies legend Gary Pearse will be hosting the Falcons' Bledisloe extravaganza, interviewing local Rugby stalwarts and supporters - Kiwis welcome. There will be a great raffle (got to be there to win it) as well as a First Try Auction with the live Wallabies vs All Blacks Bledisloe telecast kicking off from 7.30pm. More information on the Falcons' website www.fscfalconsrugby.com.au
Above: Wallabies legend Gary Pearse is a great supporter of the Far South Coast Falcons and will be presenting their Bledisloe Night at Tathra Beach Country Club on Saturday
Above Merimbula's Brooke Ragen heading for the high country, ran almost the entire length of the field to pull off an amazing try for the Flying Piglets against Royals.
