Bathurst St Pat's were too classy for Orange Hawks in Sunday's Group 10 open league tag grand final at Carrington Park, but the two blues certainly had it tougher eight of their side were backing up from the under-18 decider.
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Jes Pearson, Courtney Morgan, Lilly Baker, Millie Lenehan, Savannah Moore, Emily Irwin and Caitlin and Bec Prestwidge, Savannah Moore and Em Irwin all backed up from their under-18 premiership, with the first five running straight back on to start the senior game too.
There was no using that as an excuse for the two blues' 10-4 loss to the Saints, but Hawks' under-18 league tag coach Steve Pearson did suggest a rethink around the scheduling of the two deciders might be worth discussing ahead of 2020.
"It was tough on a lot of those girls to back up straight away and play two games," Pearson said.
"Maybe it's just luck of the draw but I don't think we're the only club that has a lot of players playing in both their league tag sides, so maybe it is worth looking at potentially playing the senior league tag later on grand final day.
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"The girls from the under 18s were still really excited with their win though, even after the senior loss."
Baker was actually taken from the field with injury in the senior league tag final though that had nothing to do with backing up, she had a head clash with a St Pat's rival, with Pearson confirming it wasn't serious.
"I spoke to her after she'd come off and she had a bit of a bruise on her cheek but she was okay," Pearson said.
"Lilly's enthusiasm is infectious and she was the best on the field (in the under 18s) I think, she really ran with purpose and was outstanding. She was playing really well in the second game too until she came off."
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