The Wentworthville Magpies’ Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership team enjoyed their match against the Wenty Try Time side so much last year, they wanted to experience it all over again.
Wenty Try Time coach Jared Anderson said the initial game was played in May 2022, when the women had a bye. It was a non-contact, modified version of the game, which is how Try Time players with an intellectual disability compete.
“When I reached out to them to arrange it, I didn’t realise it would be Mothers’ Day – and two of the Wenty players were mothers,” Anderson said.
“It meant so much to them they didn’t want to miss it last year.
“It was an excellent experience and obviously meant a lot to them because they approached us this time – completely unexpected.
“They reached out to us three weeks in advance of their bye (Round Seven) this year. And we were pumped they wanted to play us again.
“I call it the second, and now annual, game.”
The match was played on traditional 13-a-side rules at Magpies home ground, Ringrose Oval, in two 30-minute halves.
The combined Try Time team was comprised of male players aged 13 years to mid-30s.
“The girls won, and they told us it was the match that broke their losing streak at Ringrose Oval, so we hope we’ve helped their cause,” Anderson said.
“Usually I’m inviting ourselves to clubs, or offering a Try Time team to take on an able-bodied Junior Rugby League team. So, for the girls to come to us totally blew us away.
“It brings together people from all walks of life, all kinds of backgrounds.
“It’s a feel-good time for everybody. The guys loved the occasion and for both teams it gives them a different perspective of footy.”
There are eight Try Time teams attached to NSWRL clubs, again proving how Rugby League is the game for all.
