Kaitlyn Mason fully expected the Macquarie Raidettes to endure a slow start to the season but now, on the eve of the Group 10 under 18 league tag finals, she's confident they can finish with a bang.
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The Raidettes, a side featuring a mix of players from Group 11, made the move to Group 10 for the year and after finishing the regular season in third spot meet Orange CYMS in Sunday's semi-finals.
Coach Mason saw her side play some of its best footy last week in a 48-0 win over Bathurst St Pat's
"Their competition is pretty well established and we don't have an under 18s here so to go over there and be in third spot is a pretty good achievement," she said.
"We started slow, which I expected when we've got players from other clubs, but the way we've been playing is a credit to the girls' hard work and commitment."
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The Raidettes and CYMS have met on one previous occasion this season and it was a first for many of the Macquarie players as it was snowing during the game.
CYMS won that one 16-10 but Mason hopes a more dry track at Bathurst on Sunday allows her speedy players out wide to thrive.
Bindi Shaw returns to the side this weekend and will provide another attacking spark.
There's a huge amount of individual talent in the team but the key for the Raidettes is pretty simple.
"It's defence," Mason said.
"I've always said defence wins you games and if we defend well and keep them at bay then I know our attack is there."
Kick-off is 1.45pm at Jack Arrow Oval on Sunday.
Orange Hawks meets Bathurst Panthers in the other semi.
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.
