The experience and leadership of Wests Tigers half-back Raecene McGregor saw her snatch a 27-26 victory over the Newcastle Knights in Round 8 of the Telstra Women's Premiership today.
McGregor, the Kiwi Test half-back, landed a 15 metre field goal two minutes from full-time to give the Tigers victory at McDonald Jones Stadium after the Knights fought back from a 26-6 deficit after 38 minutes.
The Tigers dominated the first half to race in four tries in 20 minutes to lead 20-6 at the break before the Knights rallied strongly to almost claim victory until McGregor's match-winning field goal.
It was Wests Tigers' sixth win of the season and leaves them in fourth place with three rounds remaining before the finals.
The moments
0 minute: Wests Tigers get off to a sensational start after second-rower Shaylee Bent palms off full-back Lucy Spain in a 40 metre run to the line. Tigers 4-0.
9th minute: Full-back Caitlin Turnbull swoops on last play kick from winger Lily Rogan to score after a short play down the left flank. Raecene McGregor converts. Tigers 10-0.
13th minute: Wests Tigers cross for their third try when centre Harmony Crichton brushes off Tenika Willison to stretch out to score in the corner. Tigers 14-0.
21st minute: A short pass from substitute hooker Faythe Manera saw prop Shaniece Monschau crash over for a try near the posts. McGregor converts. Tigers 20-0.
25th minute: A short pass from half-back Georgia Roche saw Willison beat the tackle of Crichton to score out wide. Kirra Dibb converts. Tigers 20-6.
38th minute: Wests Tigers five-eighth Losana Lutu dives over from a grubber kick from McGregor after the half-back touched the ball twice following a Lutu kick. McGregor converts. Tigers 26-6.
41st minute: Knights winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala finishes off a huge shift to the left to fall over for a try in the corner. Dibb converts. Tigers 26-12
47th minute: Knights centre Sidney Taylor crosses out wide after the Knights catch the Tigers short on the right. Dibb converts. Tigers 26-18.
58th minute: Knights hooker Olivia Higgins scores off her own grubber after ball hits pads. Dibb converts. Tigers 26-24.
67th minute: Dibb converts penalty goal from in front. 26-all.
68th minute: Knights drop ball from break to give Tigers possession. McGregor lands a 15 metre field goal to give Tigers the lead. Tigers 27-26.
Wests Tigers now play Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday, 30 August, at 6.15pm.
