Vipers have two sides through to the 2024 Western Women’s Rugby League grand finals which will be played at Bathurst’s Ann Ashwood Park this Saturday, November 16.

The Vipers club, which predominantly features players from the Orange and Blayney local government areas, hosted one round of semi-finals at Pride Park in Orange last Saturday, November 9.

The under-14s, coached by Wayne Hill, and the Anthony Simmons-coached under-16s have progressed through to their respective grand finals with wins at home.

Vipers defeated Lachlan District 30-12 in the under-14s.

April Gardiner crossed for four tries, but Vipers president Martin Power said the side was good across the park in a seven-tries-to-two win.

“They played well as a team,” Vipers president Martin Power said. “Hilly has them going well.”

Vipers’ under-14s play Goannas in the decider. The two sides have met once this season, back in September, Goannas winning 26-22 in Dubbo.

“I’m predicting a pretty tight grand final... toss of the coin,” Power said.

Remarkably, Vipers’ under-16s won their home semi-final against Mudgee by the same margin as the 14s(30-12). Zahli Millsteed and Jemma Jones both scored doubles for Vipers.

However, Power noted it was a close contest initially before the hosts stormed home.

“The score doesn’t indicate that game... Mudgee were right in that game,”

Power said.

“Our under-16s have some big forwards and classy backs, they are a good side.”

The under-16s will play Lachlan District in their decider. Vipers defeated Lachlan District 20-4 in round three in September in Orange.

Power is confident that should Vipers play well, they can win this decider.

Unfortunately, it is season over for Vipers’ under-18s and opens after semi-final losses last weekend.

In the opens semi-final at Orange last Saturday, a Bec Smyth-inspired Goannas defeated Vipers 30-20.

Power co-coaches the Vipers open women’s side with lock Lilly Baker.

Holly Jones played in the centres, wearing jersey 15, and scored two of Vipers’ four tries.

Co-coach Baker, another try-scorer, was also impressive.

“We started off slow,” Power said.

“We came back well in the second half, but we left our run a little bit late. They all tried hard.

“Bec Smyth was the difference in that game. Credit where credit is due... Goannas were the better team. Our girls have had a good season.”

One key goal of 2024 was for Power to transfer coaching of the opens squad and he mentioned Baker is skilled enough to take on the role single-handedly if

she wishes.

“It’s been a good year... Lilly has stepped up and myself and Guy (Ruddy) mentored her,” Power said. “I think

she’ll be ready to step up and take on

her own side.”

Vipers’ under-18s side had its semi-final against Goannas at Ann Ashwood Park, Bathurst last Sunday (November 10).

The Jayce Barrett-coached outfit played well and scored seven-tries-to-six with both Georgie Barrett and Lilly Clarke scoring doubles but lost a thriller 36-32.

Power was told Vipers were ahead for a lot of the contest but Goannas were just able to pip Vipers.

The Vipers club started out in the WWRL which commenced around six years ago with two sides and now fields the full complement of five teams.

“It’s getting bigger and bigger. We try to make it a family-friendly club and it seems to be working well,” Power said.

Vipers’ under-12s side missed the playoffs in 2024.

Match results for Vipers Western Women’s Rugby League Semi-Finals

Pride Park, Orange on Saturday, November 9

Under-14s: Vipers 30 (April Gardiner 4, Geri-Lee Gorham, Azhara Lyden, Mackenzie Thornberry tries; Tessa Hill goal) defeated Lachlan District 12 (Harpa Martin 2, Laila Hartwig tries).

Under-16s: Vipers 30 (Zahli Millsteed 2, Jemma Jones 2, Lucy Martin, Jayanna Dixon, Savannah Lucas tries; Dixon goal) defeated Mudgee 12 (Kayla Morissey, Jade Green tries; 2 goals).

Opens: Goannas 30 (Rebecca Smyth 2, Alex Couley, Alissa West, Samantha Sharpley, Peta Powyer tries; Kimberlee Gordon 3 goals) defeated Vipers 20 (Holly Jones 2, Lilly Baker, Ella Barrett tries; Rebecca Ford 2 goals).

Ann Ashwood Park, Bathurst on Sunday, November 10

Under-18s: Goannas 36 (Millah Hutchins 2, Amelia Sullivan 2, Maddy O’Brien, Sala-Joy Camaira tries; Sullivan 6 goals) defeated Vipers 32 (Georgie Barrett 2, Lilly Clarke 2, Keeley Holmes, Charli Hunter, Annabel Harrison tries; Barrett 2 goals)