The Glen Innes Magpies girls have continued their winning run in the Group 19 nines tournament with two, hard-fought victories in the second week.
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After building confidence with two wins against Guyra and Narwan in the first week, the Magpies took on reigning nines champions Moree Boomerangs first up on Saturday.
They managed to edge out the Moree girls 10-6 and then came up against Uralla.
A Tigers-mistake on the tryline just before full-time ensured the Glen girls would take a 12-10 triumph and top spot on the nines ladder.
Glen Innes captain Amelia Tunamena said her side found the first clash of the day daunting but they managed to settle into the game.
“Boomies, we knew would be tough,” she said.
“I think we were a bit nervous to start with just because we had watched them. It worked in our favour eventually. I think our defence was really good considering the size of them, they are much bigger than us.
“Defence-wise, it was really good and we just worked off the back of our defence and then came the tries.”
Though nervous to start the day, Tunamena said the side felt more prepared for the second week.
“Everyone is settling more into being tackled and tackling,” she said.
“It is good to see it is coming together and gelling.”
This Saturday is the final week of the competition with one more regular round game before the final.
The Magpies are guaranteed a spot in the decider and will face the winner of the Narwan Eels and Boomerangs game. In the meantime, the side will work on polishing up their skill set.
“Work a bit more on that defence and wrapping the ball up,” Tunamena said.
“Lots of times, especially with Uralla, they were getting the ball away and offloading.
“If we can fit a bit of fitness in there that is a bonus. It is just a completely different game to league tag. I am buggered.”
After the final round, a Group 19 representative train-on squad for next year’s Greater Northern Championships will be announced.
With talent across the park in her side, Tunamena believes Glen Innes could feature heavily in the Group team.
“It is a good opportunity I think and our entire team is more than capable of working towards that rep side,” she said.