The Illawarra Steelers produced a strong second-half surge to defeat Mounties 30–16 at Aubrey Keech Reserve on Saturday evening, eventually running in seven tries to three in a hard-fought contest after trailing 10-8 at halftime.
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The visitors struck first in the 10th minute with a try to five-eighth Georgie Barrett after a scintillating run down the right edge.
Her opposite number, Logan Lemusu, hit back with a solo effort of her own in the 17th minute. Sarah Scambary’s conversion edging the hosts ahead 6–4.
The two sides then traded tries as debutant Ella Churchill crossed for the Steelers and Madyson Tooth responded for Mounties before halftime.
The Steelers edged ahead 18-10 after back-to-back tries to Sophie Curtain and Jessica Patea (pictured), before Lemusu hit back on the restart, stripping the ball and racing to the line for her second for Mounties to make it 18–16 and keep the contest alive.
However, the Steelers finished with a late burst, as Churchill grabbed her second and Patea added another before Seriah Palepale sealed the victory with a damaging run to the line in the 67th minute.
Lemusu was a standout for the hosts, while the Steelers outside backs, led by Patea and Churchill with two tries apiece, ensured the visitors claimed the two competition points on offer.
[Watch] Steelers five-eighth Georgie Barrett scorches down the right edge
Words | Angelina Raula