THE Orange Emus Chicks booked the first place in the Central West Women’s grand final after a solid win over Cowra on Saturday.
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Playing the major semi-final at Endeavour Oval, the Chicks muscled up against Cowra and were leading 12-7 at the break.
The second half continued to be tight but a late try to the Chicks handed them a 28-17 victory.
Chicks coach Amanda Ferguson was happy to be the first team into the women’s decider.
“It was a good win. It was a bit nerve-wracking for a little bit there. We got that last try and it was great,” Ferguson said.
“It was a good, physical hit-out. There were times when the girls could have panicked but they kept their cool and stuck to the game plan.”
Cowra boasted a strong forward pack but the Emus Chicks used their speed in the backs to test the visitors’ defence.
Centre Olivia Patterson ran in two tries for the Chicks, and Shay Naden and Amber Williard scored a five-pointer each.
Nikki D’Aquino came to kick nailing all four conversions, and her kicks in play we a key part of the minor premiers’ attack.
“Olivia made some good breaks,” Ferguson said.
“Nikita Campbell played well in the forwards, she’s our young No.8, and got players’ player. Everyone dug in.”
The women’s grand final will be played on September 13, giving Emus plenty of time to prepare, but that wasn’t a concern for Ferguson.
“We’ll have a couple of good, physical training sessions,” she said.
ORANGE EMUS CHICKS 28 (Olivia Patterson 2, Amber Willard, Shay Naden tries; Nikki D’Aquino 4 conv) def COWRA 17.