The Steelers won five from five grades on Saturday with a clean sweep over the Canberra Raiders in Junior Reps and a win over Mounties in the women’s premiership at Ron Costello Oval, Shellharbour. Meanwhile, the Steelers Lisa Fiaola Cup side defeated the Tigers 34-6 on the road.
Hope Millard set the tone early for the Steelers in Tarsha Gale Cup action, crossing in the first minute for the first of eight tries for the home side. They would go on to lead 22-0 at the break.
Centre Mia-Rose Walsh scored three tries, and Ella Koster picked up a double in their 44-6 win over the Raiders to remain in the top four. Tayleah Handcock had a day out with the boot with six conversions. Courtney Crawford’s side play the eighth-placed Sharks next week.
A second hat-trick in two weeks for Centre Hayden Buchanan set up a 30-12 win for the Steelers over the visitors in Harold Matts. Leading 10-0 at halftime, the hosts scored four tries to two in the second stanza. Halfback Kade Reed returned from injury after a six-week layoff, steering the team around and kicking 3 conversions. The Steelers move into fourth position with the win and play the 7th-placed Sharks in the final round next week.
In the upset of the round, the Steelers beat the previously undefeated Raiders 26-10 to keep their slim finals hopes alive with one round to play. It was a dominant display from the hosts, who led 14-0 at halftime, scoring five tries to the Raider’s two. To make the finals, they must defeat the Sharks next week and rely on other results to go their way.
The Steelers Women’s Premiership side was out of the gates early with tries to Ana Raduva and Taliah Fuimaono, giving the home side a 10-0 lead before the Mounties hit back through a weight of possession with two converted tries to lead 12-10 at half time.
Captain Keeley Davis played an instrumental hand in the Steelers’ first try after the break, sending fullback Emma Tonegato into space to claw back the lead. Davis was at it again shortly after crossing for her four-pointer and sealing the win. The Steelers moved back into the top four with the victory and will take on the Sharks next week.
Round 8 Tries >>
Pictures | Allan Barry