Ladies Day Celebration – Women’s 1st Grade Wagga Waratahs Home Ground, May 2025

 

The Waratahs Women’s First Grade side put on a masterclass for the club’s Ladies Day celebrations, running in nine tries to four in a scintillating performance that delighted the home crowd.

 

Hat-Trick Heroes Lead the Way

 

In a display of clinical finishing, both Georgina Hayes and Megan Lonsdale claimed hat-tricks to spearhead the Waratahs’ attack. Hayes’ footwork and pace proved too much for the visitors to handle, while Lonsdale showed her poacher’s instinct with three well-taken scores, including one in the opening minute that set the tone for the contest.

 

Bowley’s Double Rounds Out the Scoring

 

Sophie Bowley added her name to the scoresheet with an impressive double, demonstrating the depth of attacking talent in this Waratahs outfit. Her ability to find gaps in the defensive line added yet another dimension to an already potent attacking arsenal.

 

Lucas Shows Her Class from the Tee

 

Milly Lucas was in superb form with the boot, successfully converting seven of the home side’s nine tries in a display of goal-kicking precision. Her 14 points from conversions proved crucial in building the commanding scoreline, with her accuracy allowing the Waratahs to maximise every scoring opportunity.

 

Tactical Adjustments Show Squad Depth

 

Coaches made excellent use of their interchange options throughout the match, with players including Rhani Meriton, Clare Harpley, Janara-ali Powell, Rebekah Holmes, and Sophia Kelsey all making valuable contributions from the bench. The seamless rotation of players highlighted the squad’s depth and versatility.

 

Visitors Show Resistance

 

Despite the dominant Waratahs performance, the opposition showed fighting spirit with Lavinia Siale crossing for a double, while Unaisi Buadromo and Pati Matenga also added tries. However, their goal-kicking let them down with Lina Smith unable to add the extras to any of their four tries.

 

Discipline the Only Concern

 

The only blemish on an otherwise stellar display came when Janara-ali Powell received a yellow card for an intentional infringement. Playing with 14 players temporarily didn’t slow the Waratahs’ momentum, however, as they continued to find gaps in the opposition defence.

 

Perfect Start Sets the Platform

 

The match couldn’t have begun better for the home side, with Lonsdale crossing in the very first minute and Lucas adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead. From there, the Waratahs never looked back, building pressure and converting it into points throughout the contest.

 

Ladies Day Success

 

The comprehensive victory provided the perfect backdrop for the club’s Ladies Day festivities, with supporters treated to a showcase of running rugby and clinical finishing. The blend of power, pace and skill on display exemplified everything the club has been building in the women’s program.

 

Looking Ahead

 

With Hayes and Lonsdale in devastating try-scoring form, and Lucas providing reliability from the tee, this Waratahs outfit has established itself as a genuine force in the competition. The challenge now will be to maintain this level of performance as the season progresses.

 

Final Score

 

Waratahs Women 59 – Visitors 20

 

Scoring Summary

 

Waratahs Tries: Georgina Hayes (3), Megan Lonsdale (3), Sophie Bowley (2), one unattributed Waratahs Conversions: Milly Lucas (7/9)

 

Visitors Tries: Lavinia Siale (2), Unaisi Buadromo, Pati Matenga Visitors Conversions: Lina Smith (0/4)