The NSW Waratahs Women win 31-5, defeating the reigning premiers in round three of the Buildcorp Super W.
It was an exciting fast-paced game with long stretches of play and brutal physicality. Grace Hamilton, Fi Jones and Piper Duck lead the way and showed why they are the competition's best back row.
Layne Morgan gets better and better with every game, grabbing a gutsy couple of tries.
The Tahs were the first to draw blood, after multiple possessions inside Drau’s 22. After dominating at scrum time, the Waratah women were able to capitalise and find their way over the line. Desiree Miller went over untouched. Ella Ryan was unable to convert from the sideline. 5-0
The Tahs didn’t slow down striking again a few minutes later. Some beautiful ball support allowed Maya Stewart to offload to Piper Duck, who in turn popped the ball up to the try scorer Layne Morgan. Desiree Miller kicked the extra points.
Fijiana found themselves with the majority of possession late into the first half and the pace of the game quickened. However, the Tahs were able to keep them at bay and head into the sheds at half-time up by 12.
The Second half started, and the Waratahs took a huge blow, Maya Stewart leaving the field 6 minutes in with a concussion.
Fijiana would rub salt in the wound and cross over for their first and only try of the day. The try was unconverted.
Aitken brought fresh substitutions on, and this gave the spark the Tahs needed, Vella made a break with the help of O’Gorman to get the Tahs 5 metres out. Layne Morgan took advantage of a static defence and dove over the line from a quick penalty tap. The try was unconverted.
Just like the first half, when there’s one there are two. Katalina Amosa scored a crucial try 2 minutes after Morgan dived over. This came off the back of a clinical rolling maul. Miller converting the try.
Aitkens benched proved too strong for the Fijiana Women, Jade Sheridan, off the back of a cut-out pass from Claudia Meltzer, barged over the line to push the game out of reach. Miller continued her kicking streak as she slotted the conversion.
The NSW Waratah women ran away with their first victory over Fijiana, final score 31-5. This bonus point win shows the competition that the Tahs are here to reclaim their crown.
The Tahs look to next week’s top-of-the-table clash against the QLD Reds, both teams are undefeated and looking to secure an automatic place in the final.
WARATAHS 31
TRIES: Miller, Morgan, Morgan, Amosa, Sheridan
CONS: Ryan 0/2, Miller 3/3
PENS:
DRUA 05
TRIES: N/A
CONS: N/A 0/1
PENS:
