BULLDOGS WOMEN WIN IN STYLE
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have started their season in fine style, thumping the Wentworthville Magpies 72-4 at the competition’s first weekend.
Although both sides battled out a ferocious 25 minutes to open the contest – with neither team able to break the deadlock – the Bulldogs ran in 14 unanswered tries after the Magpies drew first blood.
Harvey Norman NSW Womens Interstate Challenge representative Elianna Walton put in a starring performance with three tries, while Taylah Gray, Hayley Tipene, and Grace Clarke all bagged doubles of their own.
STUDDON KICKS 9 FROM 9
The newly-formed South Sydney Rabbitohs recorded a convincing win over CRL Newcastle on Saturday, notching an emphatic 54-4 victory at Redfern Oval.
While it was a masterclass display from a majority of their squad – lock Jasmine Allende crossing for two tries and Nakia Davis-Welsh showing why she’s one of the game’s best fullbacks – it was Jillaroos star Maddie Studdon who proved instrumental with her clinical game management and perfect kicking record.
Studdon nailed eight conversions from as many attempts, before slotting a sideline conversion right on full-time to remain flawless with the boot, and to cap off an impressive win for her side.
SEA EAGLES LEAVE IT LATE
The Manly Sea Eagles UNE Harold Matthews Cup squad recorded their fifth-straight victory on the weekend with a valiant, last-gasp 20-18 victory over the Penrith Panthers.
It was a battle of the competition heavyweights at St Marys Leagues Stadium, with both sides firmly in the box-seat for a top four finish.
Manly conceded two early tries and were trailing by four points with just five minutes remaining, but a try to dynamic fullback Tolutau Koula drew the game level – all before Tony Francis nailed the ensuing conversion to seal the two competition points.
TARSHA GALE CUP ON THE BIG STAGE
The Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy became the first two teams to ever play on Allianz Stadium in the Tarsha Gale Cup, on an historic day for the competition.
The Sharks proved too good on the afternoon, recording a comfortable 52-22 victory over the tri-colours.
Electric runner Faith Nathan proved too hard to handle as she crossed for four tries, which helped her side extend their lead on top of the competition table – the Sharks undefeated in the 2018 competition.
