Sunday's performance was just what the Wiradjuri Goannas needed.
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A week on from a shattering last-gasp loss to the Orange Vipers, the Goannas produced one of their better performances in the final round of the Western Women's Rugby League regular season at Apex Oval.
The Goannas ran out convincing 38-4 winners over the Panorama Platypi, the win not only boosting morale but also securing second spot ahead of this weekend's semi-finals.
"We fixed a lot of things from previous weeks," Goannas captain Amy Townsend said.
"We're slowly getting better. It still wasn't our best performance but we're getting there, and that's the most important thing."
One of the most pleasing aspects for Townsend was the consistency shown right across the park.
Bec Smyth may have stolen the headlines with yet another hat-trick but the captain stated every one of her players did their job, particularly in defence.
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"It might have been our best performance but it was probably our best team performance we've put in," Townsend said.
"We'd had six girls play a full weekend of touch football and three had played tackle (at the Tribal League) on Saturday so we started slack but everyone lifted."
The Gerry 'Chicka' Merritt-coached Goannas will now meet Woodbridge Cup in the semi-finals.
Woodbridge just missed out on finishing second after being defeated by the Orange Vipers 24-22 in their final round clash.
The Goannas scored a scrappy 20-8 win over Woodbridge earlier in the season and while Townsend fully expects a vastly improved opponent on Sunday, she's also confident her team will be better again.
"Last time we played we had four of our forwards out. We were missing Bec (Smyth), Alahna (Ryan), and Maggie (Townsend)," the captain said.
"We know our strength is through the middle."
The Goannas forward pack was tested by a physical Platypi line up but that battle up front is something they have relished and prided themselves on all season.
"We need to do our jobs because we've got the best backs in the competition, I think," Townsend added.
"If we don't go forward they can't do their job and that's something Chick has been telling us every week.
"I think (Orange's) Tabua (Tuinakauvadra) is the only one who has scored a try between our second-rowers.
"It's a team sport and every one of us has got a job to do."
All four of the Goannas' sides will play in the semis.
The first grade outfit will join the under 18s and under 16s sides at Apex Oval on Sunday while the under 14s side will play at Mudgee on Saturday.
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.
