Last night, Celtic played host to the Ash Hutt Combined girls first fifteen, as they played against the Roncalli first fifteen in the third and fourth playoff game. It was an equally important game for the year 13 girls on either side as it was their last opportunity to play for their school side.  

It was very apparent that both teams were eager to send their year 13 girls off in style as both teams were producing big tackles, excellent work at the breakdown and great teamwork. Roncalli got off to the best possible start in this game as they crashed over for a very early try to catch the Ash Hutt side by surprise. Ash Hutt was able to strike back almost immediately midfielder Edelma Kelsall and was converted by first five, Angel Hauiti-Spooner. Ash Hutt kept piling up on the pressure and scored another try through another midfielder, Ripena Vailea Umaga, which once again was converted by Angel Hauiti-Spooner. Roncalli were keeping themselves in the game as they replied with a try of their own. Ash Hutt were in the mood for tries as they scored another two tries before halftime, the first one through utility Madison Trusler-Clark and was converted by Angel Hauiti-Spooner and the last try of the first half went to winger Sasha Williams. 

Roncalli were on fire to begin the second half as they scored back-to-back tries with only one of them being converted. Ash Hutt’s first five Angel Hauiti-Spooner was able to get herself a try which she was able to convert. Madison Trusler-Clark got a double in her last game for Ash Hutt. Reserve Anna Tuamoheloa closed the game for the Ash Hutt girls as she dotted down for a try, in a game that ended 45-29 to Ash Hutt. 

The Under 15 Ash Hutt girls team played in the finals against Craighead at Pleasant Point. Craighead finished first on the regular season table just ahead of the Ash Hutt side. The two sides were only separated by two bonus points. The Ash Hutt girls put up a good fight in the final but they were unable to come away with the win as they suffered a 57-22 loss. The try scorers for Ash Hutt were Chloe Hill, Elsie Dargue, Matilda Johnson and Pippa Clark. 

It was a mixed way to end the season for the two schoolgirl teams, but overall it has been an incredibly successful season with both of the sides making the semi-finals. 

Article added: Thursday 18 August 2022