A brave and gallant Wests Tigers produced a spirited display in going down to premiers Brisbane Broncos today in Round 3 of the NRLW Premiership.
The Tigers might have been on the end of a 40-12 scoreline but they showed there is plenty to like about this new look side under Coach Craig Sandercock in what was their sternest test after winning their first two games.
With a strong wind behind them, the Tigers produced a fine first half display to suffocate the premiers with a solid kicking game and some aggressive defence.
However, it was some late magic from Origin stars Jesse Southwell and Tamika Upton that saw the Broncos take a 16-point lead into half-time in not a true reflection of the opening 35 minutes.
Upton, then showed her class and experience as the Broncos piled on the points in the second half to remain undefeated.
The key moments
6th minute: Brisbane winger Caitlin Urwin goes over untouched after big backline shift to the right. Jesse Southwell converts. Broncos 6-0
8th minute: Wests Tigers winger Lily Rogan shows great strength and determination to stop five-eighth Ali Brigginshaw from scoring under posts
14th minute: A powerful 30 metre run by experienced Wests Tigers prop Sarah Togatuki sees her fend off full-back Tamika Upton to score. Raecene McGregor converts. 6-6
17th minute: Some desperate defence sees Rogan held up over line on last tackle.
22nd minute: Southwell steps past three defenders in open space to score superb solo try. Converts own try. Broncos 12-6
29th minute: The Broncos go from one side to the other to keep the ball alive on the last for winger Kerri Johnson to score in corner. Broncos 16-6.
34th minute: A deft kick by Southwell sees Upton pull the ball back in before the dead ball line for forward Chelsea Lenarduzzi to score. Southwell converts. Broncos 22-6
41st minute: The Broncos swing the ball left from dummy half for Upton to deliver a short ball to send Georgia Bartlett over. Southwell converts. Broncos 28-6
45th minute: Wests Tigers captain Kezie Apps off for HIA (later passed)
51st minute: McGregor shapes to kick before steps her way over the line in a classy try. Converts own try. Broncos 28-12
60th minute: Upton chimes in backline to draw in defence before sending cut out pass to Johnson over for her second try. Broncos 34-12
65th minute: Lenarduzzi awarded a penalty try after Tigers second-rower Shaylee Bent produces a kick to stop her from scoring under posts. Broncos 40-12
NRLW Head Coach Craig Sandercock
“The Broncos have got some world class players and full credit to them. They got the job done, and they took advantage of all of their opportunities.“
Looking ahead to next week.
“For us, it's about recovery, and we’ve had a pretty tough draw with three away games to start.“
“(Next week) it's just about trying to get our players as fit as possible and then work and compete hard.”
