The Illawarra Steelers suffered a 28-10 loss to the Newcastle Knights in Round 8 of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership on Saturday afternoon in Newcastle.
In a rematch of last year’s grand final, the Knights raced to a 10-0 lead before the defending premiers levelled the score at the main break with tries to Maria Paseka (pictured) and Jessica Patea but were unable to stay with the Knights, who scored three unanswered tries in the second half.
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The Knights scored the first points, Leah Ollerton crossing inside five minutes, before Fane Finau extended the lead to 10-0 at the 15-minute mark.
The visitors hit back through a converted try to Patea and Paseka’s four-pointer to level the scores by halftime.
After the break, the Knights took control of the contest, shutting down any chance of a second half rally by the Steelers.
Tyla Brown restored the lead with a 37th-minute try, before Carissa Reid and a second from Ollerton sealed the result.
Sophie Buller was near perfect with the boot, landing four conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
[Watch] Steelers centre Jessica Patea scores off a well-worked scrum play from halfback Maddie Studdon.
Words | Angelina Raula