Woodbridge Cup coach Michael Dumensy has fired the first shots of the new Western Women’s Rugby League title race, saying his tiny cup competition will knock off western giants Group 11 in 2018.
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The Woodbridge Cup kicks off its preparation for the new premiership on Sunday at Eugowra with a come-and-try training session.
But with 27 players already interested in lining up in the cup’s inaugural open women’s team, Dumensy is talking up his side’s chances.
“I’m more than confident we can knock over Group 11,” Dumensy said.
“I’m not sure about Group 10. They’re pretty well adept at this form.
“(Group 10 coach) Jordan Dwyer has them firing. Jordan’s been nothing but helpful for us as well, though. He wants a competitive competition. They’ve been great. I can’t wait.
“I really hope it’s us against Group 10 in the grand final.”
A former Parkes Spacecats premiership winning league tag coach, Dumensy now holds the same coaching position with the Eugowra Golden Eagles.
The Geagles caused the upset of the season when they downed the previously undefeated Grenfell in the league tag grand final in 2017.
A mix of players from both sides are expected to be in contention for the Woodbridge Cup outfit, while some of Cargo’s best girls are also in the frame.
Dumensy is expecting Western Rams representative Heidi Regan to be at Sunday’s trial alongside Blue Heelers teammate Sam Laing, the reigning Woodbridge Cup player of the year.
He said the strength of the Woodbridge Cup, widely regarded as a second division competition, has grown tenfold and he and his girls were determined to prove they can match it with both group sides.
“We want to display how successful we can be as a competition,” he added.
Spacies legend Dennis Moran will be on hand at Sunday’s trial to help guide new players through the tackle concept.
Dumensy was thrilled to have a player of the calibre of Moran, a three-time Group 11 player of the year, on board to help his side.
“You couldn’t get a better mentor than Dennis. He’s the best in the business,” Dumensy said.
“(Sunday’s training) is open to anyone. Dennis is giving us a hand to get the team together. He’ll be there Sunday to help the girls learn the game. The committee is right behind it.”
The Woodbridge Cup’s open training run starts at 9am at Eugowra Oval.
The session is for both opens and under 18s players.
Woodbridge Cup takes on Castlereagh Cup in round one of the 2018 season on Saturday, February 24.
I’m more than confident we can knock over Group 11.
- Woodbridge Cup women's coach Michael Dumensy
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
