Cowboys secure win against Sharks; Raiders and Tigers also claim victories
Cowboys secure home victory
The Cowboys achieved their second win of the season in an engaging match against the Sharks. The home side established a significant period of dominance in the first half, scoring three tries. This included a double from Makenzie Weale, contributing to a 16-10 lead at half-time.
The Cowboys continued their scoring in the second half. Bree Chester added a try, converted by Rosie Kelly, extending their lead to 22-14. Later, Margot Vella scored, with the conversion attempt by Kelly unsuccessful, making the score 26-18. The Cowboys sealed their 12-point victory with a try from Kayla Jackson, bringing the final score to 30-18.
The Sharks initially started strongly, scoring the first try of the game. However, a penalty for obstruction and subsequent defensive errors allowed the Cowboys to gain momentum. Despite this, the Sharks fought back, with Georgia Hannaway scoring a try to narrow the gap to 16-10 before the break. In the second half, Milla Elaro scored her first try, reducing the deficit to 16-14, and later added a second try, bringing the score to 22-18.
A key moment in the second half saw Sharks second rower Jaydika Tafua sent to the sin bin for a tackle on Margot Vella. This incident occurred after Vella received treatment for a leg injury. The Sharks also faced a potential injury concern when Georgia Hannaway left the field late in the match with what appeared to be a left knee injury.
Tigers and Raiders claim wins
The Wests Tigers secured a 30-22 win over the Warriors. The Tigers, who were last year’s wooden spooners, continued their resurgence, improving their record to 5-2. The Warriors mounted a comeback after being 16-0 down early in the match, even taking the lead in the second half, largely due to the playmaking of Emmanita Paki. However, individual brilliance from Lily Rogan and the kicking of Raecene McGregor ensured the Tigers ultimately prevailed at CommBank Stadium.
For the Warriors, three players were omitted from the extended squad for the match against the Wests Tigers. These players included forward Matekino Gray, halfback Natalia Hickling, and winger Lavinia Tauhalaliku. Gray had been named among the reserves as she recovered from a foot injury that had kept her sidelined since a preseason trial in June. Ivana Lauitiiti and Capri Paekau were retained as the 18th and 19th players.
The Warriors saw the return of seasoned front rower Annetta Nuuausala to the starting line-up for the match against the Tigers. Nuuausala had missed previous encounters against the Titans and the Knights. Her return resulted in Metanoia Fetalaiga moving to the bench. The rest of the Warriors squad remained unchanged from their previous win against the Knights.
In another match, the Raiders climbed into the top four after defeating the Knights 25-18 in a comeback victory. Led by halfback Zahara Temara, the Raiders followed up their Round 6 win against the reigning champions Brisbane by overcoming the Knights for the first time in NRLW history. This win marks a significant step towards securing a finals spot for the Raiders.
The Cowboys‘ victory at Queensland Country Bank Stadium helps keep their season alive.
The Wests Tigers‘ win over the Warriors was a hard-fought contest at CommBank Stadium.
The Sharks‘ efforts to gain momentum were hampered by a sin bin incident involving Jaydika Tafua.
Source: nrl.com
