Coastal Women secured their first win of the season against Inglewood!

Coastal ladies got off to a flying start at their first home game of the season, Leah Barnard and Brooke Sim (Chooke) scoring the first 2 tries of the game.

Coastal were there to play after having 2 close losses in the early rounds.

The forward pack fronted up to the challenge stealing Inglewood's ball in the lineouts and rucks and also having many carries over the advantage line. Jaymi Ngaia scored a try towards the end of first half, giving Coastal a 15-5 lead at half time. Inglewood came out strong in the 2nd half scoring 4 tries and 2 conversions. Coastal had managed 2 tries by Leah & Jaymi but were down 25-29, with 20 minutes to play.

As the ladies were standing behind the posts after the last Inglewood try, it was asked by the Coaches, "Who is going to go out and lead this team, we need something special so we can get this win."

Victoria McCullough, captain, took the challenge on board and fronted up and made some big tackles to gain us some forward momentum, and followed this up by scoring a try from a pick and go close to the line.

Aaliyah Kere-Rako converted it to put Coastal back in front 32-29. With 10 minutes left on the clock and tired bodies on the field; the tactics had to change with territory being the key.

Experienced player Brooke Sim kicked the ball right where we needed it and our strong lineouts helped to secure ball.

In the final few minutes of the game Brooke Sim scored a try which was converted.

The final score was 39-29 to Coastal.

Player of the game Victoria McCullough had an outstanding game showing great leadership. Jaymi Ngaia showed real mana and resilience having been sick earlier in the week leading up to the match, still giving it 100% with her strong carries and line breaks. Congratulations to Brooke Sim who was recognized after the match for playing 25 games for Coastal.

3 Victoria McCullough

2 Brooke Sim

1 Jaymi Ngaia