Lisa Fiaola set to pass after a good run – Photo: karenwatsonphotography.com.au

by Karen Watson –

The reigning women’s rugby premiers, Warringah Ratettes, have advanced to the NSW Women’s Grand Final after defeating 2nd placed Sydney Uni 37-24, in the semi-final at Merrylands RSL Oval this afternoon. Uni were expected to win this match after easily defeating Warringah twice earlier in the season. 

Warringah have had a challenging year, with injuries as well as a number of their key players being selected in the National Sevens squads and not being released to play for the club this season. However, the Ratettes came out hard early on and it was their superior structured play, dominance in scrums and expansive rugby that was to be the difference on the day. Sydney Uni impressed with a couple of quick breaks to score but turnovers and penalties were to prove costly. 

It was the more consistent display of Warringah that ultimately won them the game. Warringah’s power prop Aggie Palu proved too dominant for Uni. Other stand outs for Warringah included winger Tui Ormsby, inside centre Nutta Ahipene and #8 Danielle Meskell, each scoring and impressing the small but vocal crowd at Merrylands RSL Oval. 

Ratette Tui-Ormsby charges into Sydney Uni’s defence – Photo: karenwatsonphotography.com.au

Warringah will face this years Minor Premiers, Parramatta, in the Grand Final after Parramatta easily defeated Rockdale 34-10. Parramatta have had a particularly strong season this year and will be hard to beat.  Their last clash with Warringah at Rat Park only two weeks ago saw the Minor Premiers take out the match 12-0. “We had a great win today, we fought hard but we have a lot of work to do and need to improve aspects of our play if we are going to beat Parramatta,” said Warringah coach Erin Morton after their win. “But we were in this position last year. If it goes right on the day we can win.”  The Grand Final will be played at 2.00pm next Saturday 31st August at Pittwater Rugby Park.

Warringah’s Lynda Roberston, record holder of games played in women’s rugby (over 200), is tackled after a barnstorming run – Photo: karenwatsonphotography.com.au

Parramatta Rugby Club put on a superb day and it was great to see Waratah Tatafu Polota-Nau step up as Grounds Controller for the day, keeping the competition running smoothly and everyone in check. A great club man, he looked well and truly in his element and graciously interacted with the players, crowds and staff.