Stuart McLennan
The NSW Universities women’s team struck the first blow in the inaugural Interstate Challenge against Queensland Universities at iconic North Sydney Oval on Sunday 18 May with a 10-6 victory over their counterparts.
An individual piece of brilliance by NSW halfback and Wests Tigers prodigy Ellie Barnett opened the scoring. After the Blues pressed the Queensland line in the sixth minute, Barnett laid on a deft grubber kick into the in-goal, before beating her opposition to the chase and diving on the ball.
The NSW halfback successfully converted her own try to give the Blues a 6-0 lead which remained the situation at halftime despite several opportunities for both sides to add to the scoreboard.
Both teams came out with renewed vigour after the break and some big hits in defence kept the crowd entertained.
Queensland halfback Jessica Barnes hit back for Queensland after producing a nice dummy against a tiring NSW defence and diving over for a try which was converted, locking the scores up at 6-6.
There was another twist to the close contest with five minutes to go when NSW backrower Terri-Lee Van Wyk burst through a hole on the edge running 30m and swerving around the Queensland fullback to score. The try was not converted.
It capped a great match for Van Wyk who was named Players’ Player by her peers. NSW Captain Sophie Curtain, who never stopped working in the middle, picked up the Australian Universities Player of the Match Award.
NSW coach Scott Clark said he couldn't be prouder of his team’s performance.
“To win this game is something that these girls can look back on in years to come and say we were the first,” Clark said.
“This result came from the very first moment we came together as a squad with their commitment to the campaign, their acceptance of each other, the culture they built and most importantly respecting and trusting each other.
“We made sure we reminded each other of what was at stake. This was a State of Origin game and that is the way we prepared.
“This team was desperate to be the first to win this contest and it was evident not just in the game, but in the way they prepared went about everything that was associated with getting this result.
“Queensland never gave in and recognition to them as they made this game a good old-fashioned grind which had everyone on the edge of their seats.
“This was a hard-fought effort from our team and our defence was amazing, especially on our try line and that is what won us the game.”
Following the match, 10 players were chosen to represent Australia later this year with the opponent and venue still to be confirmed. NSW players selected are: Ellie Barnett, Sophie Curtain, Afi Fauese, Lexis Kaleti, Josie Lenaz, Makayla McFayden, Mya McGlynn, Terri-Lee Van Wyk. Matilda Vella and Ebony Wood.
NSW 10 (Barnett, Van Wyk tries, Barnett conversion) QLD 6 (Barnes try, Bird conversion)
