Sport News
Regional Champions!
Our Open Girls Touch Football team travelled to Uralla today to contest the North West Regional Final against a strong Uralla side. As hosts, Uralla welcomed us warmly, and we thank their staff, coaches and Principal for their hospitality throughout the day.
The girls completed a thorough warm-up at the League fields, before arriving at the school, knowing that plenty of touches on the ball would be essential on a cold and windy New England day.
Uralla won the toss and made an immediate impact, with their star player, Bridie, diving over for the opening try. It was a nervous start for Glen Innes, but the girls responded brilliantly. Mary crossed for our first try after a well-worked move, before Mylie backed herself, taking advantage of an offside defence to score our second.
The game settled into a tough contest before Ella Bruce scored our third try, receiving a quality ball from Jasmine after a strong straight run and finding space out wide. Polly Voysey then extended the lead, finishing off a clever “quickie” play with Aila McBain on the seven-metre line.
Our defence was strong for the remainder of the first half. The team squeezed effectively through the middle, shutting down Uralla's attacking options and limiting their set plays. Olivia Wilkins worked tirelessly on the wing, balancing her defensive responsibilities in the middle while also covering a dangerous Uralla winger. Billie James was equally impressive, repeatedly shutting down Uralla's box plays, an effort noted by the referee after the match.
At halftime, Glen Innes held a strong 4–1 lead.
Uralla came out firing in the second half and reduced the margin with a breakaway try following a defensive lapse. However, our girls responded again, with a beautifully executed arrow play involving Lainie, Polly and Skye resulting in Skye diving over for our fifth try.
Uralla continued to challenge and added another try, bringing the score to 5–3. The final stages were intense, with both teams searching for points. Glen Innes remained determined, applying relentless defensive pressure and forcing Uralla into rushed passes and errors. Although the final minute seemed to last forever, the girls held firm to secure a memorable victory.
We are absolutely thrilled to be crowned North West Regional Champions for 2026!
This squad has worked incredibly hard, with players ranging from Years 7 to 11 contributing to the success. The older girls provided excellent leadership, while our younger players stepped up and delivered in an Open-age competition. Their commitment to training and preparation played a major role in today's result.
The Uralla team must be congratulated on their efforts in making the regional final. They are an impressive squad of young players and every time we come across this same group of athletes across other sports they are always impressive on and off the field/court. The Uralla team delivered a competitive effort today and at no stage did Glen Innes ever feel as if the game was theirs until the final whistle. The win sees Glen Innes progress to the Top 20 playoffs later this term, where they will face a team from one of the Sydney regions.
A huge thank you to Dan McKenzie, NSW Touch Development Officer, who refereed today's match. His professionalism and high-quality officiating contributed greatly to the standard and spirit of the game.
Thank you also to Mr Taylor for driving the team safely, supporting the girls throughout the day and serving as our First Aid Officer.
Congratulations to all team members who have been with this team for the journey thus far ….
Mary, Jasmine, Tahlia, Mylie, Ella, Billie, Polly, Olivia, Aila, Skye, Grace, Peyton and Lainie.
A fantastic achievement by an outstanding group of young women.