The Illawarra Steelers defeated the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32-10 in Round 7 of the NSWRL Women’s Premiership on Thursday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. The match, originally scheduled for last Saturday at Terry Lamb Complex, was postponed due to poor ground conditions.
Thursday night wrap, brought to you by Coal Services
In team changes, Tori Shipton started at hooker for her first game of the season in Steelers colours, packing down with Mary Latu in the front row.
Paige Tauaneai took her place in the second row, joining her sister Trinity Tauaneai, who started at lock. Armani Tanioria was rewarded with the bench spot for her NSW Women’s Premiership debut, after three seasons in the squad. Paige Knapp also made the starting line-up on the wing.
Although the Steelers were forced to defend their own line in the opening minutes, they struck first, with winger Kiara Kostovski crossing for a try in the 4th minute after a perfectly weighted grubber kick from halfback Georgie Barrett.
Five-eighth Skye Spencer also grabbed her first of the evening, recovering her own kick to score in the 15th minute and extend the lead to 8-0.
Despite the Bulldogs hitting back in the 22nd minute through Bridget Hoy, the Steelers kept their momentum, scoring just five minutes later through a Spencer linebreak, helping herself to a first-half double. Fullback Tayleah Handcock (pictured) converted to make it 14-4.
Handcock continued her points-scoring streak in the 32nd minute, breaking through several defenders to score on the right side, then converting her own try to put the Steelers up 20-4 heading into halftime.
Second Half Dominance
The Steelers wasted no time carrying their momentum into the second half. Paige Tauaneai powered through three defenders to crash over near the posts, and Handcock once again slotted the conversion to extend the lead to 26-4 just five minutes after the break.
Tauaneai added her second try of the night in the 55th minute in dramatic fashion, scooping up the ball after a chaotic sequence of kicks and fumbles before diving over. Handcock’s reliable boot made it four conversions from six, extending the lead to 32-4.
The Steelers’ goal-line defence was a feature throughout the contest, despite a consolation try from Bulldogs second rower Shafenoir Lui at the death, taking the victory 32-10.
Paige Tauaneai said getting the hard-fought result was a great feeling, and the team’s energy worked in their favour.
“It actually feels great. We worked hard throughout the week. I’m sure the girls worked hard as well, and yeah, it’s good to see a result,” Tauaneai said.
“The energy’s always there, the girls know what they’re doing, and it’s just effort on effort.
“It’s just stick to what we know and play to what we know.”
Words: Harrison Mellare
File Image: Denis Ivaneza