Majayda Darcy may have reignited the rivalry with the Parkes Spacecats on Saturday, but her CYMS side must get past Westside before any potential meeting with its foe.
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The Fishies and Spacecats have developed one of the great rivalries in Group 11, all stemming from the 2016 season where they battled for top spot all year before the Parkes side claimed glory courtesy of a Claire Barber field goal in a thrilling grand final.
The Spacecats lost just once on their run to the minor premiership this season while CYMS finished second.
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After losing the qualifying semi-final to Westside, CYMS’ season went on the line at Parkes’ Pioneer Oval on Saturday.
With a number of players missing, CYMS was pushed the entire way by Macquarie but ultimately claimed an 18-16 win.
Livewire fullback Darcy scored a double and was heavily involved throughout, and she took much joy in celebrating in front of the Spacecats players in the crowd.
“I watched Parkes sit up there and cheer for Macquarie and I love, love the feeling of winning in front of Parkes on their home ground,” she said.
With five-eighth Kaitlyn Mason and leading try-scorer Maddi Chapman both missing Saturday’s game through injury, CYMS struggled for direction early in the clash with the Raidettes.
Macquarie, playing without any reserves on the bench, was brilliant early. They let nothing past in defence and shot out to a 10-0 lead after tries to Dymphna Smith and captain Erin Sutherland.
Darcy burst into the game when she scored after kicking brilliantly for herself while she played a major role in a try for Grace Pilon, one which had the half-time score 10-8.
When Kyra Sutcliffe was binned for taking out Darcy off the ball it didn't take long for CYMS to capitalise, scoring twice to take the score out to 18-10.
The Raidettes scored late to set-up a grand stand finish but CYMS hung on.
“I was away for the Westside game (last weekend) so that news was a shock but to come back today, the way these girls play for each other is amazing,” Darcy said.
“The girls really lifted and I can’t fault them. I feel like our team has a really good chance.”
CYMS will play Westside again in next weekend’s preliminary after the Bunnies were beaten 24-6 by a slick Spacecats in Sunday’s major semi-final at Apex Oval.
Westside led 6-4 early in the rain but the Spacecats soon came to grips with the conditions and speedster India Draper hit a gap inside her own 10m and sprinted away to score while Cass Ward crossed soon after to set up a 14-6 half-time lead.
The second half was a tough contest with both sides battling to complete at times as the rain got heavier.
The only points came late on, with Erin Dwyer and Emeline Lavaka both crossing to ice the win.
“Westside gave us a bit of a run at the start but we pulled it together,” Spacecats captain Tyannua Goolagong said.
“It’s really satisfying and hopefully we can get the wins at the end now.
“We can definitely get better than we played today, we still have our best game to come yet.”
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
