The Illawarra Steelers lost their first game of the season at the hands of Mounties, suffering a 14-4 defeat in Round 4 of the NSWRL Women’s Premiership at Aubrey Keech Reserve, Hinchinbrook on Saturday.
The Steelers’ lone try, through centre Tyra Ekepati, fell short of the hosts’ three tries and one conversion in a game marred by errors and penalties from both teams.
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In team changes, prop Makayla McFayden came into the Steelers line-up for her first game of the season, replacing injured captain Mackenzie Lear (knee laceration). Hooker Kayla Fleming also had her first run-on start of the season, in a switch with Madison Hemopo (pictured), who started from the pine.
The new-look bench also included Jaida Faleono, Stephanie Ball and Herewaka Pohatu, with Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis and Seriah Palepale called into the NRLW Dragons’ squad and Mary Latu dropping out of the 17.
The Steelers opened the scoring early after a Mounties turnover, quickly recovered by centre Tyra Ekepati to put the Steelers up 4-0 at the 6th minute. Mounties responded through Madison Bartlett in the corner in the 12th minute to level the score.
Both teams were soon caught in a deadlock for over twenty minutes, with neither giving in, sending them into the sheds at halftime four points apiece.
Pressure mounts for Steelers
After a strong start to the second half from both sides, Mounties ultimately struck through a short-side play in the 42nd minute, with Holly Williams scoring in the corner to take the lead 8-4.
Four minutes later, Mounties widened the gap as former Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup-winning pivot Evie McGrath, now with the NRLW Canberra Raiders after a stint at the Wests Tigers, broke through with a decisive dummy and run. Sereana Naitokatoka then sealed the play, converting the try to make it 14-4.
In the final 20 minutes, Mounties defence held firm, shutting down the Steelers attack to secure their first win of the season while handing the Steelers their first defeat.
Next Sunday, the Steelers return to WIN Stadium to face the Parramatta Eels, kicking off a double-header in which the NRLW Dragons will also take on the Eels.
Words: Harrison Mellare
Photo credit: Denis Ivaneza