The Riverina Reapers, a combination of the Wagga Derby Dolls and Leeton players, came back from the Bendigo tournament covered in bruises on the weekend.
“It definitely was a big learning curve, we improved from it,” Reapers player Alleey Dyason said.
After training at Bolton Park, it took some time to get a feel for the concrete surface in Bendigo.
The distance travelled and humidity also affected them.
“It was really hot, pretty humid, it took a bit for us to find our feet,” Dyason said.
We’re all looking like leopards with bruises all over us.
- Alleey Dyason
The girls came seventh in division two, with two losses and one win, ending on a high.
In the last bout the Reapers defeated a Victorian country-based team, the Rolling Matildas.
The teams were on par at half time, and the Reapers pushed through for a convincing 251-162 victory.
There were no standout players according to Dyason, just strong team work.
“Everybody really pulled it together,” she said.
The girls didn’t sustain any serious injuries, however, “we’re all looking like leopards with bruises all over us.”
On November 21, the Wagga girls have their first home bout, against the Capitol Brawlers from Canberra.
“They beat us last time so we’re working on what we need to do to win.”
