CO-COACH Brooke Saunders couldn't have been prouder after the Hunter Wildfires scored a late try to pip Sydney University (2) 17-12 and open their Jack Scott Cup account.
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But the former Super W lock was quick to turn the players attention to next Saturday and the trip to Newcastle by Gordon.
Quicksilver winger Anika Butler crossed for a brace of tries, including the match-winner with five minutes remaining, to cap an outstanding team performance.
The win was the first for the four Wildfires teams (women, colts, first grade, second grade) after the NHRU accepted a late invitation from the Sydney Rugby Union to compete in a shortened season.
"To be the first Wildfires team to win a game, I couldn't be prouder," Saunders said. "Our focus was to attack in defence and that is exactly what we did. With the ball we played wide and scored our tries on the edges, which is where we wanted to attack. It will definitely boost everyone's confidence. Now we have to focus on our next job now which is Gordon at home."
Gordon lost 30-0 to Easts on Saturday.
The Wildfires put a controversial 10-8 loss to Campbelltown behind them and started quickly against the Students.
Sophie Clancy and Butler crossed to give the visitors a 12-0 lead at the break.
Sydney Uni responded with two tries early in the second half to level at 12-all.
"We held them out for a long time," Saunders said. "It was sitting at 12-all for a little while before Anika scored in the 65th minute. Anika was amazing but she only had to finish. Every try was a team try."
"I get the girls to focus on their job and their role. Our forwards goal was to make the advantage line in attack and in defence stop them from doing the same.
"Our nine, ten and twelve have their roles and their area of control and they did that very well. No-one worried about anyone else. They just played their part in the team."
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