In wet and slippery conditions over the weekend, the Tarsha Gale Steelers were the only team to secure a victory in Round 8 of the NSWRL Junior Reps. The SG Ball team shared points with the Panthers, while both Lisa Fiaola and Harold Matthews, who experienced their first loss of the season, lost their respective games.
The Weekend Wrap, brought to you by Steelers.
Steelers And Panthers Battle To Thrilling 16-16 Draw
The Illawarra Steelers SG Ball team and the Penrith Panthers played out a gripping 16-16 draw in difficult wet conditions on Saturday at Cec Glenholmes Oval, with both sides showing determination in a tightly contested match.
The Steelers got off to a flying start, with Connor Sadler crossing for the opening try just three minutes into the game. However, the Panthers progressively took control to level the score at 4-4 by halftime.
The Panthers extended their lead to 10-4 five minutes into the second half before Steelers winger Saifiti Junior Saifiti added the hosts’ second try of the afternoon to tie the game up again.
In a see-sawing second half, the Panthers edged ahead 16-10. With ten minutes remaining, a converted try to Likamani Richter ensured the Steelers stayed in the contest with 10 minutes remaining.
The game was on a knife’s edge until the final whistle with both teams finishing with a well-earned share of the points.
Harold Matts Steelers Suffer First Defeat Against Roosters
The Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews squad endured their first loss of the season, falling 12-0 to the Sydney Roosters on Saturday at Mascot Oval, Sydney.
Both teams started well despite the wet conditions, battling through a tense and scoreless first half. However, the Roosters broke the deadlock in the second half with a successful penalty goal before sealing the win with back-to-back tries.
The Steelers, who had remained unbeaten leading into the match, struggled to crack the Roosters defence and were kept scoreless for the first time this season. Despite the setback, they will look to regroup and bounce back in their final-round fixture against the Balmain Tigers.
Lisa Fiaola Steelers Slip to Eighth After Loss To Eels
The Lisa Fiaola Steelers dropped to eighth place on the ladder after a tough 20-0 loss to the Parramatta Eels on Saturday at Eric Tweedale Stadium, Sydney.
With the Steelers trailing 6-0 at halftime their defence held strong for the first 20 minutes of the second half, but the Eels managed to score again, extending their lead to 12-0.
With five minutes left in the game, the hosts kicked a penalty goal extending the lead to 14-0 before securing the victory with a try in the final minute.
Tarsha Gale Steelers Extend Winning Streak With Gritty Victory Over Eels
The Tarsha Gale Steelers continued their winning momentum with a hard-fought 16-10 victory over the Parramatta Eels at Eric Tweedale Stadium.
The Steelers endured a rocky start, with the Eels striking first and taking a 10-0 lead into halftime. Despite the tough, wet conditions and Parramatta’s strong defence, the visitors refused to back down.
Momentum shifted early in the second half when centre Billie Va’a crossed for the Steelers’ first converted try, followed shortly after by winger Kiara Kostovski, levelling the scores at 10-10.
With just five minutes left on the clock, the Steelers sealed the comeback with a decisive third try to prop Seraiah Palepale, taking a 14-10 lead. Makayla McFayden added the extras, securing a well-earned 16-10 victory.
The win, their fifth in a row, keeps the Steelers’ strong form intact as they continue their push for a top-two finish.
Words: Angelina Raula