THE script of the inaugural Super W couldn’t have played out any better for Vincentia’s Ash Hewson and her NSW Waratahs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the scores tied at 13-all, with time expired in regualtion, the Queensland Reds, coached by former Shoals captain/coach Michael Hayes, went on one final attack.
Reds forward Sammy Treherne got the ball and stormed towards the try-line, only to be stopped dead in her tracks by Waratahs skipper and fullback Hewson.
“We knew Queensland were going to stick it to us, having a point to prove, as we hadn’t lost a game all season,” Hewson said.
“With the game on the line, I knew I had to make that tackle and take her [Treherne] out, to ensure the game was over.
“In the moment, you don’t really think about the enormity of that play but looking back on it, it was a big moment I had to make for my team.”
This tackle sent to game into extra-time and after 10 hard fought minutes and the final siren sounding, the Reds gave away a penalty just 15 metres away from the goal posts.
Up stepped Hewson.
“Going into extra time, I had complete belief in our side,” she said.
“We all knew if we remained patient and played smart rugby, the result would come.
“When the referee blew the whistle for that penalty, I just walked away from everyone and took a deep breath, as I knew it was going to come down to that penalty kick.
“I had practised that kick over and over and when it went over, it proved that hard work pays off.”
As soon as the kick sailed between the two uprights at Allianz Stadium, Hewson, 38, was swamped by her team mates.
“It was an amazing feeling – the reaction of all the girls showed how much it meant to all of us and the passion that we all have for rugby union,” she said.
“Being hoisted on their shoulders was a very special moment for me.”
Despite having a glittering career, which includes 21 caps for the Australian Wallaroos, Hewson said this tops them all.
“This win is just amazing – it’s number one in terms of my personal achievements,” she said.
“I knew this competition was in the pipelines but I never thought I’d have the chance to play in it – to have the script play out like it did, it couldn’t have gone any better.”
With that being the case, Hewson has decided to call time on her international career and concentrate of club footy.
“I’ve been toying with the idea of retiring from the Wallaroos for a while now but with the strength of the girls coming through, the game is in good hands,” she said.
“I’ve done all I can for the Wallaroos, it’s now time for those younger girls to show their potential.
“But I won’t shut the door of playing for the Waratahs again – as it’s been an amazing four months with the girls.
“To cap if off like we did was incredible – I had people come up to me after the game and say that Friday’s match was one of the best matches of rugby they’ve ever seen.
“It’s comments like that prove that the game is headed in the right direction – I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Hewson will new return to club duties with Sydney University.