Wests Tigers Women claim thrilling win over St Marys

Wests Tigers have kicked-off a big day at Leichhardt Oval in style with a 20-16 win against St Marys in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

St Marys scored two late tries to set up a thrilling finish, however Wests Tigers held on for a four-point victory — their second triumph from three games this season.

The win, however, has come at a cost with representative five-eighth Raecene McGregor suffering a significant shoulder injury in the second half.

McGregor left the field in a world of discomfort as she clutched at her arm and shoulder — and will go for scans to determine the extent of the injury.

Captain Botille Vette-Welsh had an impressive outing as she scored a try and had a hand in a couple, as well as producing some stunning try-saving tackles at the other end.

Wests Tigers controlled the contest for majority of the match as they scored four tries to three to secure the two competition points.

It took the home side seven minutes to open the scoring at Leichhardt Oval when Vette-Welsh found space down the right edge to break through before linking up with Page McGregor, who scored the first try of the game for the second week running. Emily Curtain landed the conversion to give Wests Tigers an early 6-0 lead.

The visitors hit back not long after when Christian Pio bagged a four-pointer after 20 minutes to level the scores.

Vette-Welsh was causing mayhem down the right edge all morning and she was rewarded with a try when she broke through late in the first half.

Wests Tigers winger Rebecca Pollard scored a second-half double in the left corner to give the visitors a healthy advantage.

St Marys came racing home but Wests Tigers held firm to kick-off a big day at the iconic venue.