NSW ran out 22-12 victors against the Queenslanders in the opening match of the Women’s State of Origin. For the first time these teams will play a best of three series, like their male counterparts, and will avoid last year’s embarrassment where the Maroons held aloft the shield in a drawn series based on scoring one more try.
It also shows how big the women’s game has grown. Not just with participation and interest but with skill.
In front of a record crowd of 24K, the Blues bolted out the gates to lead 12-0 inside 10 minutes. They looked like scoring every time they had the ball and led 16-0 before Queensland troubled the scoreboard.
The Origin games are exclusive to Channel 9 so we had to endure/enjoy some refreshing commentary.
Phil Gould was quick to remind us (over, and over, again) how to stop the inevitable Maroons comeback.
“If you want to stop the comeback, stop the first try.”
Phil Gould
And the legend that is Gus is correct. There are no hattricks in cricket without the first wicket.
Game 2 is at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle on 6th June and will be interesting to watch. There were a lot of points left out on the field in the opener. The Blues dropped the ball during attacking raids. The Maroons over the tryline on three occasions.
But will this go to a decider? Nope.
Blues win 3-0 and collect the shield in Townsville.
