Hawks to face CYMS after St Pat’s withdrawal from nine finals

NOT TO BE: The damaging Haylee Lepaio and St Pat's won't be in action at the Women's Western Nines finals at Dubbo this Saturday. Photo: PHIL BLATCH

Orange Hawks look to have one hand on the Country Rugby League Western Women’s Nines trophy after the two blues’ biggest competition, Bathurst St Pat’s, announced they won’t front at Saturday’s finals day in Dubbo.

The Saints were forced to pull out mid-week, unable to muster enough numbers to field a side.

By default, that promotes Dubbo CYMS to the major semi-final against Hawks in St Pat’s place.

The finals were pushed back one week from their original date, and clashed with St Pat’s already-in-place post-season plans.

“It just wasn’t our week,” St Pat’s coach Mick Armstrong said.

“I can understand why several of our girls can’t make it, and we’ve picked up a couple of injuries as well.

“Obviously it’s disappointing considering how well they had played over all rounds of the competition.”