The Coastal Women’s rugby team was looking for redemption on Saturday 29th April against Clifton, to make up for the heavy loss in pre-season.

Chenae Lowry was playing her 25th game for Coastal, so the team wanted a win for her. Coastal had a slow start to the game, they had a lot of ball but were struggling to get points on the board. Beth Cook and Shinae Minhinnick made some strong covering tackles, and Ella Griggs had multiple goes at the try line but was continuously shown the sideline. Ella with her continued determination managed to score a try late in the first half which had Coastal down 5-19 at half time Something special was going to be needed to bring this game back for the Coast. Unfortunately Clifton scored first to push the score out even further 5-26.

With a penalty 5m out Beth did a trick play with everyone thinking she was kicking for touch, but quickly tapped the ball with Ashley Rupapera running hard and receiving a bullet pass from Beth to score under the sticks. The try was converted by Aaliyah Kere-Rako. Then with tactical kicking deep into the opposition 22, the strong Coastal forward pack went to work.

A great throw in by Leah Barnard to the leaping Jaymi Ngaia set up a strong maul which led to many pick and goes with Jaymi finding herself on the try line. Coastal were still down 17-26, but there was a strong belief now in the team with 20 minutes still to play.

With continued dominance from the forward pack and a 1 woman advantage due to repeated penalties from Clifton, the Coastal ladies marched down the field and then opened it up for winger, Cleryse McLachlan to score in the corner. Captain Charlotte Webby and vice Captain Victoria McCullough had a high work rate, making metres and had strong tackles which continued to help Coastal’s momentum.

With 2 minutes left to play Coastal were down 4 points and hot on attack. The forwards continued their strong work having turns at picking and going at the line, and eventually were rewarded when Jaymi powered over to score, converted by Beth at the final whistle. Concluding an epic comeback, Coastal won 29-26.

Congrats to Chenae Lowry on your 25 games, you played outstanding and showed true Coastal spirit.

Jaymi 3

Beth 2

Shinae 1