SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS (right): Orange's Mandy Moore and the NSW over 35s women's team went down 3-0 against Queensland in the 2012 State of Origin Touch Football Series at Port Macquarie over the weekend.
NO-one likes losing to Queensland.
But to go down in the fashion the NSW over 35s women’s side did against the Maroons in the 2012 State of Origin Touch Football Series at Port Macquarie over the weekend was heartbreaking for Orange’s Mandy Moore.
Locked at 3-all in the first game, Queensland triumphed 5-3 in a drop-off before again claiming the win over NSW in a drop off in the second game 4-3, clinching the series in the process.
The Maroons then won the third and final game 3-2.
“It was a whitewash,” Moore said.
“Nobody likes to lose especially to Queensland like that. Being so close, it can come down to a ref’s call or a missed touch, it’s that close. If you’re not 100 per cent on your game it’s tough, and that’s what State of Origin is all about.”
It was Moore’s first taste of touch football and the bitter inter-state rivalry that goes hand in hand with NSW versus Queensland clashes.
She loved every minute of it.
“I was very happy with the way I played,” Moore said.
“Sometimes you get into these teams and you’re not quite sure on your role in the side or how you’re going to go but I was quite happy with the way I went.
“I haven’t played at that level before. It was a step up in intensity from nationals.”
“The camaraderie of the state was great. Everyone could really feel the passion for wearing the colours.”
Overall, NSW claimed the series win by the barest of margins, winning seven age groups to Queensland’s six.
Moore said despite her side being unable to win any of its three games versus Queensland’ over 35s women’s teams, to get the overall win was a great achievement.
“To get an overall series win, NSW was pretty happy,” she said.