THE Scone Thoroughbreds capped off an impressive debut season in the Hunter Valley Group 21 Women’s Nines Competition, following a hard-fought 14-10 win over the Murrurundi Mavettes at Muswellbrook’s Olympic Park on Friday night.
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After narrowly missing a berth in the 2018 decider, an under-strength Thoroughbreds outfit claimed third spot from their much-fancied opponents.
And, with a handful of players absent from the starting line-up, Scone began brilliantly when Dominique Carter dived over near the uprights. Gracie Gallen converted for a 6-0 lead.
This opening stunned the Mavettes – and it was the Thoroughbreds who surged further ahead 10-0 after Sophie Hinde touched down.
Murrurundi’s key playmaker Lucy Prudden then scored a brilliant individual try to boost her side. She added the extras and the Mavettes trailed 10-6 at the break.
Both teams lifted a gear in the second half, with defence a feature of the fixture.
The Mavettes drew level at 10-all through barnstorming winger Megan McLoughlin.
The match seemed destined for extra-time, until Zenanee Clout crossed in the corner. Gallen failed to convert but Scone held on to prevail 14-10.