The MAC girls’ XV claimed a 46-20 win against Dunstan High at home in Wanaka last Wednesday, June 19. 

MAC got off to a strong start with Amber Kelsen first to plant the ball over the try line and Tayla Upfold following up with a second try minutes later. 

Dunstan number nine Annie Hansen – later named Player of the Day for her team – was a force to be reckoned with, getting Dunstan’s first points on the board with her runaway try, but Amber was quick to answer with her second try of the game.

A strong defensive effort just before halftime saw MAC claim a turnover right in front of the Dunstan try line, with Anna Barrett making a huge run almost the full length of the pitch before handing over to Bridget O’Brien to dot the ball down for another five points.

Nineteen points behind at half time, Dunstan came out firing and scored the first try of the second half. MAC stuck to their game plan to get the ball out wide and thanks to some quick and accurate passing the opportunities followed. 

Ashley Toovey was back on form again this week scoring two tries for MAC, with Kate and Amy Richards also amongst the try-scorers.

Emma Kelly was named MAC player of the day, keeping up an impressive work rate for the whole game, strong at the breakdown and making some excellent tackles and runs. 

Coach Tony Barret was delighted by his team’s first win of the season, saying that they had come on “leaps and bounds” and were “really starting to step up”.

MAC will face a tough test next week, with an away game against Cromwell who have proved to be the strongest girls’ XV side so far this season.