MAROONS UPBEAT DESPITE BLUES HEARTBREAK
QUEENSLAND women’s coach Adrian Vowles has applauded the courage shown by his side in yesterday’s heartbreaking loss to NSW in the interstate challenge.
In a tough showdown at WIN Stadium, it was the upand-coming stars of the NSW side who proved to be unstoppable, as the Blues ran away with a 22-6 victory in the annual showdown.
It was the team’s second straight win after Queensland had dominated the fixture for 17 years straight.
The Queenslanders had a lot of hope they could win back the Nellie Doherty Cup this year, but it was not meant to be, as errors and lack of possession stopped the women in maroon.
Blues debutant winger Jessica Sergis stamped her authority as one of the game’s most exciting new talents by scoring a hat-trick.
But despite the loss, Vowles could not have been prouder of his team for their effort in Wollongong.
“The effort they put in was outstanding ... they are very passionate Queenslanders,” Vowles said.
“I thought we were dominant early in that first half and we had our chances but it just took one dropped ball and they had a roll on and we couldn’t stop it.
“But I can’t fault the effort. I thought the debutants were outstanding considering the first game is often such an intense game. They stepped up and showed they want to be here next year.”
The heartbreak yesterday was made worse by the fact veteranlong-serving forward duo Renae Kunst and Steph Hancock are planning to retire from representative football after this year’s World Cup.