LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The defending champion Illawarra Steelers defeated the Panthers 32-4 in the Tarsha Gale Cup, moving one step closer to the Grand Final.
Courtney Crawford's team put on an impressive performance, scoring six tries to the Panthers' one.
Trinity Tauaneai, Seriah Palepale, and Siu Richter stood out for the Steelers, leading them to a dominant victory on their home turf.
The Steelers capitalized on the Panthers' mistakes, with Pohatu setting up another try for Maddy Bullock early in the match to extend their lead.
The Panthers tried to fight back, but Illawarra's strong defense forced them into errors and kept them at bay.
Billie Va'a and Charlotte Campbell combined for another try for the Steelers, showcasing their skill and teamwork on the field.
Overall, it was a memorable win for the Illawarra Steelers as they now advance to the preliminary final in their quest for another title.
The team's performance was praised for their clinical execution and solid defensive efforts throughout the match.
The Steelers' coach, Courtney Crawford, commended her players for their strong display, stating, "There are plenty of areas for further growth and learning, which will be the focus this week".
The Tarsha Gale Cup match between the Steelers and Panthers highlighted the skill and determination of both teams, with the Steelers emerging as the stronger side on the day.
The Steelers' forward trio played a key role in their victory, dominating the game and setting the tone for their team.
The Panthers put up a fight, but the Steelers' resilience and composure proved too much to overcome.
The Steelers' ability to capitalize on their opportunities and maintain a solid defensive line ultimately secured their victory and a spot in the preliminary final.