A stunning second half performance has seen St George Illawarra keep their NRL Women's grand final hopes alive, with the Dragons claiming a come-from-behind victory over the Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
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St George Illawarra trailed 6-0 at the break, however the second half was largely one-way traffic, with the Dragons running in five tries to zero to claim a 26-6 win.
While the first half was a fairly even affair, with both teams having opportunities to cross, St George Illawarra's forward pack laid the platform for victory after the break.
Dragons captain Kezie Apps said it was great to secure their first win of the season and play some good football in the process.
"Going into the second half, we knew we just needed to lift our energy," Apps said. "We just had to keep doing what we were doing, just be patient and the tries would come.
"[Daniel Lacey] said at halftime we're in the battle and not to back off, keep the energy up, keep punching forward, keep turning up for your mates and the tries will come if we hold the ball."
Playing at Mt Smart Stadium in the first standalone NRL Women's match, it was the Dragons who had the better of the early chances in the first half, with a charging Apps held up over the line in the 12th minute.
St George Illawarra were denied by the referees a second time just moments later, a Rikeya Horne try called back for a forward pass.
It was the Warriors who opened the scoring five minutes later, Onjeurlina Leiataua making the most of some loose Dragons defence close to the ruck to barge over from close range.
The Warriors had a couple of chances to extend their advantage, however St George Illawarra fought hard and momentum swung back towards the Dragons late in the first half.
Daniel Lacey's side had opportunities of their own to hit back, with Jessica Sergis almost setting up Shakiah Tungai in the right corner.
The Warriors held firm throughout the final 10 minutes, however, the home side defending valiantly to ensure they entered the sheds with a six-point lead.
The Dragons territorial dominance continued early in the second half, with the Warriors forced to defend their own line for much of the opening periods.
Eventually the weight of possession proved too much for the Warriors, with St George Illawarra crossing through Shaylee Bent in the 42nd minute.
One try quickly became two, with Tiana Penitani handing the Dragons the lead just four minutes later.
The Warriors had their chances to level the scores, however a combination of mistakes and poor decision making cost the home side dearly and it was St George Illawarra who closed out the game in the final 10 minutes.
Tries to Maitua Feterika, Sergis and Botille Vette-Welsh put the match to bed, the Dragons running out 20-point winners.
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Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
