Central North Rugby Round 2: Gunnedah doubles up against Barraba/Gwydir

Bentham was very impressed by what she saw in what was really their first hit-out of the season.

"From my perspective it was a really good start," she said.

"It sets us up really well.

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"We know what we're in for and what I expect of them is very clear."

After having the general bye the first round, Bentham said the ladies were really excited to get out and play some footy.

"Obviously there were some nerves from all the ladies yesterday, myself included, which is really normal going into first game," she said.

"Scoring within the first few minutes of the first quarter (the game was played as 10s), was really good, they were really settled, really focused."

Barraba/Gwydir to their credit defended "very very well" she said.

"They had a really good strong defence set-up," Bentham said.

"What got us over the line was fitness."

Saturday was really their first match with the pre-season not going "as well as we would have liked".

"We had a few trial games lined up but unfortunately they didn't pan out as planned," she said.

Not that it seemed to affect them too much.

Bentham said the side is "a great mix of new and experienced players".

"I think we will be a competitive side this year," she said.

They were down a few numbers due to COVID and other commitments, but will "have those weeks".

One of the highlights was Kyra Mills scoring their opening try in what was her first-ever competition game of rugby.

She was one of five tryscorers with Kate O'Donnell powering her way over for a hat-trick and Hannah Crisp crossing for a double.

"Kate is just an exceptional young player, a very strong lock. That absolutely showed, both her and Simone Lickorish executed those roles flawlessly," Bentham said.

"[But] Each and every one of the ladies out there were very impressive for different reasons."

And the best part was the smiles as they walked off the field. That is what it is about, she said.

Courtesy of Tim McDermott, second grade then made it a double for the day, the second rower scoring twice as they won 10-3.

First grade finally get their opportunity this Saturday with the Red Devils at home to Scone.

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