By JARROD POTTER
REMEMBER the South Eastern Titans, for they have just created Victorian Rugby League history.
With Victorian Rugby League (VRL) expanding the women’s game to full tackle in 2015, the Dandenong-based team entered the record books as the first side to claim a women’s tackle premiership.
Battling cross-town rivals Casey Warriors in a Saturday grand-final showdown at Casey Fields, the sides played out the first – of hopefully many – thrilling women’s tackle finales as the Titans took a 10-8 triumph.
It was an uphill battle for the South Eastern side but they managed to squeeze ahead through tries from Oceani McGee and Krystel Williams.
Casey Warriors didn’t go away though, as the home side also claimed two tries. McGee’s boot turned the match on its head as she booted the only goal to push the Titans ahead and take the title.
Titans’ captain Ramina Matenga could not be prouder of her side, which is an on-field extension of her family.
“We’re stoked – we were the underdogs and we just worked hard, stuck together and stayed together in the end,” Matenga said.
“I think the dedication to each other – we’re family and just having each other’s back and staying hard – we’re a very hard team.
“We’re proud we’re a fresh women’s league and hopefully it grows from here.”
Metenga thought Lisa Schuster was the side’s standout player – not just for the grand final but throughout the inaugural women’s tackle season – and should be an Australian representative.
The Titans community has grown dramatically in recent years – moving to Greaves Reserve and adding a men’s 1st Grade team – Matenga put it down to the community atmosphere at the club.
“You don’t just take yourself, you take your entire family,” Matenga said.
“It’s just about sticking together.”
SOUTH EASTERN TITANS 2015 VRL WOMEN’S TACKLE CHAMPIONS: Jamie Te Pania, Oceani McGee, Kristen McGee, Ramina Matenga, May Pompey, Cheyenne Lemon-Heremaia, Tina Daley, Leilani Kurei, Theresa Smith, Priscilla Pasina, Lisa Schuster, Krystel Williams, Sera Ulutui, Doreen Vae Vae, Tayla Abrahama, Milovale Selio, Jacqueline Toelau, coach Michael Selio and manager Grace Selio.
