Cutters stave off a late Bulldogs attack
AFL SOUTH Cairns Cutters have survived a late scare from the rapidly improving Centrals Trinity Bulldogs in the AFL Cairns women’s competition at the weekend.
The Cutters held the Bulldogs to just a solitary behind in the first half at Crathern Park on their way to a 5.7 (37) to 2.6 (18) win on Saturday.
But the Cutters had to withstand a spirited third quarter fightback from the Bulldogs who kicked two unanswered goals to bring the margin back to five points at the final break.
South Cairns coach Troy Munro said a goal in the final term to half-forward flanker Shantel Ripia gave his team the momentum and the Cutters never looked back.
“We took our foot off the pedal and it nearly cost us,” Munro said. “We can’t afford to do that.
“Jeda Nash, our ruck, was very good, as were two juniors of ours Jacinta Morris and Tenille Morris.
“They’re sisters and both played very well.
“Shantel Ripia played the best game I’ve seen her play in a long time.
“But I thought Rosie Parsons at centre half forward was the difference for us.
“She can kick the ball 50 metres and tackles hard. She was our best player.”
For the Dogs, Ruby Nandy dominated while teenage soccer convert Georgia Hird was a standout against older, more experienced competition.
“Ruby dominated that third quarter,” Munro said.
“I tried tagging her but we couldn’t stop her. “She was everywhere. “She’s a brilliant player.” Bulldogs coach Kim Thomson said she was pleased with Nandy’s performance, along with several newcomers to the club.
“It felt like Ruby was at every contest and wouldn’t stop running,” Thomson said.
“She crumbs and works so hard. She knows where to run and is a very good kick.
“Georgia has just got long legs and good skills. She’s one of our new girls that have joined and have picked up the skills quite quickly.”
In the other match, Manunda Hawks convincingly beat North Cairns Tigers.
The Bulldogs will play North Cairns next Saturday at Watsons Oval while South Cairns take on Manunda Hawks at Griffiths Park.
RUBY DOMINATED THAT THIRD QUARTER. I TRIED TAGGING HER BUT WE COULDN’T STOP HER. SHE WAS EVERYWHERE. SHE’S A BRILLIANT PLAYER.
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