Community Bank Geraldton GNFLW round 1: Royals’ Ruby Wallace boots five in 60-point victory against Railways

Chapman Valley wasted no time picking up from where they left off last year, starting their season with a rousing 60-point win over Railways in the Community Bank Geraldton GNFL women’s competition.

Kicking with the breeze at Recreation Ground on Saturday, Chapman Valley didn’t take long to hit the scoreboard, kicking three quick goals in the opening minutes, putting them on track for a 10.6. (66) to 1.0 (6) victory.

They were back to their winning ways, despite nine changes from their premiership side, proving they’ve found a winning formula with no shortage of players who can step up.

Royals’ Ruby Wallace started her season on a high note, posting a career best five goals — including the first goal of the women’s season and a terrific mid-tackle snap in the final quarter.

Alongside Wallace, Emma Scally, Chloe Spence, debutant Mylee Grant and captain Andie Payne earned best player nominations

For Railways, Anna Moffat, co-captains Hanna Dethlefsen and Geneva Johansen, Bronte Scaife and Phoebe Osborne were given the best player nods.

Valley outclassed Railways around the ground, giving them few opportunities to score, as Railways’ first and only goal came by way of Jayda Lewis in the final two minutes.

Following those opening three goals, Valley locked the ball in their half, despite Railway’s best efforts to transition through the middle. Strong intercepting from Railways’ Glenys Butler also cut off several scoring shots.

Play was briefly put on hold as Railways’ Gemma Boothroyd dislocated her shoulder in a contest, ending her day early.

Once play resumed, the contest remained a deadlock until the dwindling stages of the opening term where Maddison Ugle popped up to see Valley to a 27-point lead at quarter time.

In the second term, most of the play remained locked in Valley’s half but Railways restricted Valley to a handful of scoring attempts as the two sides wrestled.

A late goal in the first half gave Valley all the momentum they needed heading into the third quarter.

In the third term, Wallace slammed home a set short for her third of the day, while Payne also added to the tally with a goal on the run.

Scoring continued flowing in the final term with Valley’s Emma Scally and Jessica Jones booting their first goals, while Wallace kicking her fifth, and arguably most impressive goal of the day.

With two minutes to go Railways remained scoreless, however Eliza Manuel laid a strong tackle 50 metres from goal for the Blues, earning a free kick and sending the ball inside 50.

From there, Jayda Lewis was able to retrieve the ball from a stoppage and finish Railways’ day on a positive note with a much-needed goal — their first for the day.

RESULTS

League Railways 10.15 (75) def Chapman Valley 9.6 (60)

Women: Railways 1.0 (6) def by Chapman Valley 10.6. (66)

Reserves: Railways 4.7 (31) def by. Chapman Valley 5.5 (35)

Colts: Railways 6.9 (45) def by. Chapman Valley 6.15 (51)