Dubbo CYMS' league tag side may have run in nine tries in a scintillating attacking performance on Saturday but captain Maddi Chapman feels its her team's defence which can take them a long way in 2019.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The first match of the 2019 Group 11 season was one-way traffic at Apex Oval on Saturday afternoon as the Fishies ran out 46-0 winners over Wellington.
Taneka Todhunter starred, scoring a hat-trick and proving near impossible to tag each time she had the ball, but Chapman was particularly pleased to keep the Cowgirls scoreless.
"I think our defence wins us game because we up and strong and we get in their face," she said.
Chapman bagged a double in the win, as did Jinnara Tyson, while off-season recruits Alahna Ryan and Emily Caton also crossed.
RELATED:
Caton, at fullback, and five-eighth Ryan were in everything all game, while in Chapman, Jinnaya Tyson and Todhunter they have a host of players who can act as chief playmaker at times.
"Everyone is gelling really well," Chapman said of the new-look side.
"It's a good opportunity for the whole team. We've gelled well and we're getting there."
The Cowgirls were spirited and never stopped trying throughout the game, but in reality they were barely given a chance by the Fishies.
The hosts jumped out to a 26-0 lead by half-time and while they weren't quite at their most fluent best all game, still went on to score a commanding victory.
The highlight of the second half was a stunning third try for Todhunter. The elusive teenager went on a weaving and jinking run from her own 20m line before streaking away to score.
It was another positive sign for CYMS after a run to the final of the Western Challenge tournament at Canowindra in pre-season.
The side finished one game short of the grand final last season.
"It was a good hit-out for us," Chapman added.
"It was a bit messy at times but we'll get there after a few more weeks of training."
Much like the first grade game, the under 18s clash on Saturday was also enthralling.
After the Cowboys jumped out to a 14-6 lead at half-time CYMS fought back in a match which finished 18-all.
The Fishies were far more comfortable in reserve grade and ran out 56-8 victors.