Alicia Burchell readies for contact. Pictures by Andrew McLean Photography.
Photo by
Andrew McLean Photography
The Blue Heelers endured a difficult day in round five, going down heavily to Hillston in both the women’s and men’s fixtures.
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The women’s side were unable to contain a sharp Hillston outfit, falling 24‑0.
Hazel Hackett crossed twice for the Bluebirds, who controlled the match from the outset.
Despite the margin, the Blue Heelers continued to compete through the middle third, with defensive pressure improving as the game wore on.
The men’s match proved even tougher.
Running out with only 11 players, Deni accepted Hillston’s offer to match numbers, but the Bluebirds’ depth and pace proved overwhelming in a 68‑0 result.
“We ran on with 11 with Hillston agreeing to match numbers,” Heelers coach Drew Hinkley said.
“They were good sports about the game.
“We had a number of players out with family commitments, so to fill numbers we picked up a few players new to the league.”
Among the new faces were a few Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union members who helped to fill numbers.
It was the Heelers’ biggest loss of the year, but they are determined to get back to some more consistent form.
While finals are out of reach for the men, Deniliquin are still hunting their first win.
They face the home side at Goolgowi.
Goolgowi will need to make up a 58-point differential to claim top spot, something the Heelers will be hoping to stop.
“All our defensive work has been on show in our earlier games,” Hinkley said.
“We just really need to maintain our defence, and focus when we have the ball in hand.”
The Heelers’ women still hold hope for finals, but will need to make up a big for-and-against shortfall to have a chance at the top four.
Rassie Erasmus, a fill in from the Deni Drovers, hits the line.
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