All the best action from Round 11 of the NSWRL’s major competitions.
Magpies’ comeback steals win over Sea Eagles
The Western Suburbs Magpies have recorded an unlikely victory in Round 11 of the Ron Massey Cup, clawing back from a 20-point deficit to beat Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles 36-32 at Lidcombe Oval.
Despite the home side trailing 14-12 at halftime, the Sea Eagles were able to kick clear of their opposition with three converted tries to outside backs Kane Allan, Sione Fainu and Blake Clayton. Halfback Alex Seve had found his rhythm off the boot after missing two of his first three attempts at goal.
Eleven minutes after Clayton’s four-pointer, Western Suburbs scored their first points of the second half through edge back-rower Billy Stapleton, followed by a successful Max Altus conversion to bring the scoreboard to 32-18.
While the Magpies remained 14 points behind with just over ten minutes left in the contest, five-eighth Brock Pelligra scored his side’s fourth try as Altus added the extras.
The Magpies produced yet another two unanswered tries in the 75th and 77th minute through prop Etuale Lui and centre Johnny Mitsias to regain the lead, stealing the win and a much needed two competition points.
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Karpani the difference in two-point win
Asoiva Karpani has played a starring role for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in their 22-20 victory against Glebe Dirty Reds in Round 11 of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
Wearing the No.17 jersey, Karpani entered the field at four-all in the 20th minute and went on to score a hat-trick, including the game-winning try for the home side.
The Rabbitohs had a 14-4 lead at the break with tries to Ellie Johnston, Shirley Mailangi and Karpani. Glebe’s only try from the first half came through winger Taliah Lummow at the 11-minute mark.
The Dirty Reds found themselves in the lead again with three tries to open the second half, but it was Karpani who turned the result back in South Sydney’s favour with two more tries in final ten minutes to finish off a memorable win for the Rabbitohs.
Click here for other results from the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
Thunderbolts go toe to toe with ladder leaders
The Victoria Thunderbolts, despite sitting in second-last place on the Jersey Flegg Cup ladder, have proven they can certainly match it with the competition heavyweights after playing out a 24-all draw with the first-placed Wests Tigers at Lidcombe Oval.
Tigers five-eighth Ben Stevanovic opened the scoring early for the home side, but Victoria didn’t lose any confidence as they hit back in the eighth minute through Saimone Ahomana.
The Tigers scored on two more occasions within the next 15 minutes when prop Mavoni Tuifua and winger Liam Scolari crossed the line. In the final moments before halftime, however, the Thunderbolts were in again through centre Antonio Sanele before Daniel Atkinson’s conversion brought the score at the break to 16-12.
The second half saw the Tigers push ahead with a further two tries, yet even still, Victoria fought their way back. With 12 minutes remaining and as many points behind, interchange players Koevy Lemusu and Tui Ieremia both scored for the visitors while Atkinson kept up his 100% conversion rate on the way to a 24-all final score.
Click here for other results from the Jersey Flegg Cup.
Click here for results from the Sydney Shield.