The defending premiers have placed a focus on stronger opening terms this season and that is exactly what they produced on their home turf.

They led 56-nil at the first change and from there went on to give their percentage a significant boost.

“It was a really strong start to the game, we hadn’t played Cowra since round one and I didn’t play that game, so we didn’t know what to expect. We are pretty pleased with our effort,” Lady Bushrangers skipper Kelsey Richards said.

“After the first quarter we were really happy with the way we were moving the ball out of the middle and into the forward line. We really focused on using our wings and then hitting targets in the forward line.”

The Lady Bushrangers continued to use their width well rather than just attacking through the centre corridor, while Cowra’s only major of the match came in the third quarter.

Ten Lady Bushrangers ended up kicking a major, with Richards and Haylee Lepaio booting four apiece.

“It was great how we finished up. We really want to put in a four-quarter effort, it doesn’t matter who we play or what the scoreline is, we want to make sure we are doing that,” the captain said.

“I really believe that we did that. We had a few ebbs and flows, but in the main I think we played really consistent footy.”

The only issue for the Lady Bushrangers was their conversion rate inside 50. 

Richards admitted that it was “a bit embarrassing” to have their behinds count exceed the amount of goals they kicked.

“I don’t know what it was – we do goal kicking twice a week at training. We just missed a lot of easy ones, shots that should have been goals,” she said.

“I honestly can’t explain how we kicked that many behinds … but I spoke to one of the guys at the club after the game and he said it happens in the national league as well. It was one of those days I guess, but we’ll definitely work on it.”

Though it was a dominant display by the hosts, there was also good sportsmanship on show. While short on numbers Cowra still made the trip to Bathurst, then the Lady Bushrangers loaned them players for the contest.

“They were quite undermanned, but we were really appreciative that they came across and put a team together. They were also very encouraging of each other and never had their heads down,” Richards said.

“We really respect that - they might not be competing at the top of the competition, but the fact that they are there and giving it a go. I think they are quite a young team as well.

“They will develop as the years go on and I hope they get something out of playing us as well, hopefully they can learn a few things.

“We really enjoyed playing against them and yeah, we were really appreciative of them coming over.

“It was Ladies’ Day as well and it was fabulous. It was such a good vibe, we all felt really appreciated and the boys did all the jobs around the club. It was great celebration of the women at the club and all our friends and family as well.”