Norths have moved within touching distance of club history after another gritty win in their BMD Premiership season.
The Devils travelled to Toowoomba to defeat the highly-rated Western Clydesdales 26-18, making the most of a Georgia Hannaway attacking masterclass.
The five-eighth scored four of the Devils’ five tries as they grabbed second place on the ladder just one week from the finals.
By the time the Devils take on competition leaders Mackay Cutters in the last game of the regular season at Bishop Park on Sunday, they will know if they are the first Norths team to qualify for the semi-finals of the women’s statewide competition.
The Devils’ chances look sound after improving their win-loss record to 5-3 on a most congested competition ladder.
Behind the Devils, two points separate teams placed three to nine.
That has made Norths’ wins against Tweed and the Clydesdales on the road in the last two rounds so important.
Rookie coach Meg Ward has brought together a team that wasn’t tipped to figure in the four-team finals series after some of their most experienced players took up offers at new teams this season.
But the Devils have been among the most consistent teams in the competition aided by a cohesive, skilled forward pack featuring co-captains Jada Ferguson and Netta Nu’uausala and attacking weapons in the backline.
Hannaway has been among those, racing to the top of the competition’s tryscorers’ list despite wearing the No.6 jersey that doesn’t often feature in those rankings.
Hannaway opened the Devils’ scoring in the 10th minute with a left-foot step and dart from close to the line. Her second try came from Ferguson’s smart attacking kick.
The Devils’ laid the platform for their win in the early minutes of the second half when they withstood three consecutive Clydesdales attacking sets close to the line.
When Norths regained the ball, Hannaway’s short ball to Portia Bourke sparked a 20-metre bust and a superb pass back to Hannaway for a 60-metre try as good as any in the competition this season.
Hannaway’s last try was a 15-metre chip-and-chase from dummy half, scoring under the posts to push the Devils clear with 15 minutes remaining.
Despite the vital away win, which came after the Clydesdales had scored in the first 90 seconds, Ward said the Devils could improve.
“That was a really important win because it’s such a close competition but we know we can play better and we have to play better,” Ward said.
“We get to sit back next Saturday and see how the other Round 9 matches go before we play on Sunday.
“But then we’ll come up against Mackay who have been the best team in the competition. That’s an excellent test for us and it will be a good sign of where we’re at as a team.”
The Devils take on the Cutters at Bishop Park at midday on Sunday.
NORTHS DEVILS 26 (Georgia Hannaway 4, Madeline Burton tries, Jada Ferguson three goals) bt WESTERN CLYDESDALES 18 (Natalia Webb 2, Kayla Jackson, Leianne Tufuga tries, Zoe Cook goal) at Toowoomba Sports Ground.
