A Mia-Rose Walsh masterclass has helped the Illawarra Steelers secure a spot in next week’s Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final, the speedster scoring a hat-trick in the 26-4 win over Cronulla.
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Returning from a shoulder injury after last playing in round five, Walsh had a double at the break to give the minor premiers a 10-0 lead.
Prop Ella Koster crossed for a four-pointer just minutes into the second stanza before Walsh picked up her trifecta for a 20-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining.
The plucky Sharks, who the Steelers beat 38-4 in the final round, scored just the seventh try of the season in nine games against the Steelers before Darcy Eade sealed the win with a try on the siren.
Courtney Crawford’s outfit will put their undefeated season record to the test in next week’s decider against Newcastle. The Knights upset the Bulldogs 28-0, turning the tables on the Dogs who beat them 12-6 back in round two.
In the U17s, the Steelers season came to a shuddering halt in the inaugural Lisa Fiaola Cup with a 32-14 defeat at the hands of the West Tigers.
It was a disappointing finish for Brad Reh’s side, suffering only their second loss of the season. However, many players are a year young and will get a chance for redemption next season.