Waratahs coach Matt Wilson couldn't have been happier with what he saw from his side as the defending Tamworth women's first grade premiers got their 2020 campaign underway with a 3-1 win over Services on Sunday.
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After a tight first half with scores 1-all at the main break, Waratahs asserted their dominance in the second half to take the points.
"Overall it was a great performance from the girls and considering the miles they don't have under their legs they did exceptionally well," Wilson said.
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Their short passing game was for Wilson one of the most pleasing aspects as they bounced back from a trial loss to South United the previous week.
Wilson said they were without probably seven or eight regular first graders in the trial but it gave them a feel for field and a much-needed run.
"The girls sort of really built on that today and that short pass really defined the way they played," Wilson said.
Off the back of that they were then able to really press harder forward, particularly in the second half.
"The game got a little bit scrappy in the last sort of five minutes of the two quarters in the second half, which is to be expected with the delayed start, and then the sudden start to the season," Wilson said.
"It's caught a lot of people off their game, particularly fitness wise."
He thought there was nobody who particularly really stood out for them, although he did make mention of Bella Cameron and new keeper Imogen Hislop.
Cameron stepped into the middle in the last quarter and, he believes, will be a "real asset there moving forward".
Hislop has come down from Armidale.
"She's only 15 but very very capable. Hopefully we're going to be able to develop her moving forward," he aid.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how she goes through the season."
"She'll certainly get more decisive as she gets to know the girls."
She is one of a couple of new additions to what is a fairly similar side to last year with Maddie Cryer stepping up as a regular first grader. Returning from injury last year she played predominantly in second grade, making only the odd appearance for first grade.
"The plan was that she wanted to play second grade and then advance into first grade as she got that confidence in her legs because she's coming off injuries," Wilson said.
"That's given us that little more strength up front."
On Sunday twin sister, and captain, Anita Collins, Katrina Rekunow and Nicole Reidsmith all opened their goalscoring accounts while Lillie Beattie found the back of the net for Services, who suffered an early blow with captain Kim McLean forced off with an injury.
South United and Olympians had earlier in the first of the three games drawn 2-all.
On the back of doubles to Tegan Risk and Julie Rodda Flames then defeated Tudor Wests 4-2.
