Written by Claire Stegbauer
It was another thrilling week of regional footy in the SLE Laurie Daley Cup and SLE Andrew Johns Cup, with clashes across NSW. From intense battles at Woy Woy and Kirkham Oval to standout performances everywhere, Round Three delivered high energy and unforgettable moments.
SLE Laurie Daley Cup
Rams hold off Colts’ late comeback in thrilling clash
In Mudgee at Glen Willow Oval, a huge crowd showed up as the Western Rams secured a hard-fought 22-18 victory over Monaro Colts, holding off a late surge in a game that had two distinct halves.
The Rams burst out of the gates, with Noah Sutcliffe scoring the opener just two minutes in. Captain Jayden Innes added the extras before Brayden McGarry took over, crossing for back-to-back tries in quick succession. With Innes slotting both conversions, the Rams raced to a 12-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
The Colts responded midway through the half, with Patrick Koen breaking through to score their first points, converted by Jack Milne to cut the deficit to 12-6 at halftime.
The Rams continued their dominance early in the second half, as winger McGarry completed his hat-trick to extend the lead to 22-6. Making that right side impossible to defend, although a missed conversion proved costly as momentum began to shift.
The Colts refused to go down without a fight, launching a thrilling comeback in the final 10 minutes. Kruger Roache and Blake Slater both crossed the line, while Milne kept his composure with two crucial conversions, bringing the score to 22-18 with time winding down.
Despite the late surge, the Rams managed to hold on, securing a narrow victory in a game that showcased their fast start and resilience under pressure. The Colts will rue their slow opening but take plenty of confidence from their spirited second-half fightback.
Dragons stage dramatic comeback to defeat Tigers 26-22
The Illawarra South Coast Dragons staged a thrilling comeback to defeat the Macarthur Wests Tigers 26-22 at Kirkham Oval, Camden, in what was a highly competitive match.
The Tigers dominated the early stages, with Aaron Paea scoring in the 10th minute and Tyson Walker extending their lead with a try in the 18th, which was converted by Aidan Richards (10-0).
The Dragons responded quickly, with Jack Talbott crossing over in the 23rd minute and Luke Butler bouncing and stepping in-between defenders adding another epic try five minutes later, levelling the score at 10-10.
The Tigers regained the lead just before halftime thanks to a penalty goal from Richards (12-10), but the second half saw a dramatic turn of events. Glassie Glassie and Tyler Volcov scored for the Tigers in quick succession after the break, with the latter's try putting them up 22-10 in the 49th minute.
However, the game shifted in the 57th minute when Paea was sin-binned. The Dragons capitalised on the advantage, with Archie Wheeler scoring in the 58th minute and Flynn O’Mara adding another try in the 62nd, levelling the score at 22-22.
The Dragons completed their comeback with a late try from Jack Koster who ran the full length of the field leaving the Tigers behind and securing a hard-fought 26-22 victory.
SLE Andrew Johns Cup
Chayce Afa carries Knights into a crucial win
The Under 16s boys showed up for the SLE Andrew Johns Cup with a master class of attack from both teams at Crozier Oval Lismore. The Newcastle Maitland Region Knights came from behind to secure a hard-fought 26-20 victory over the Northern Rivers Titans.
The Knights started strong with Koby Harvey scoring in the opening minute off the kick-off, followed by a try from Oliver Lawrence in the 15th minute, taking an early 8-0 lead. The Titans responded just before the break with George Morgan’s try in the 19th minute, bringing the score to 4-8.
However, the Knights dominated the remainder of the first half, with Morgan Carter and Tyler Donaldson adding further tries to stretch the lead to 16-4 at halftime.
The second half saw a clinical performance from winger Chayce Afa, who scored two incredible tries in quick succession urging himself over the line to push the Knights further ahead.
The Titans mounted a late charge, with Clark Armstrong and Jay Walpole adding desperate points, narrowing the margin to 16-26. Despite a late conversion from Jaylon Russell, the Knights held firm to seal the win, with the final score 26-20.
Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup
Sharks survive Bears
In a thrilling Round Four encounter at Hills Grammar on Saturday, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks emerged victorious over the North Sydney Bears, securing a 16-8 win.
The Sharks took an early lead with a try from Heni Mayers in the 6th minute pushing over three defenders to cross the line, which was converted by Jade Pawson to make it 6-0. However, the Bears quickly responded with a try from Eden Melham in the 31st minute, narrowing the score to 6-4 after an unsuccessful conversion.
Just before halftime, the Sharks extended their advantage in the 36th minute when Sophia Brightwell crossed over for a try, making it 10-4, though Pawson’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful. The Bears fought back early in the second half, with Lily-May Price-Jones scoring off the back of impressive ball work in the 51st minute to close the gap to 10-8, but they were again unable to convert.
With the game drawing to a close, centre Kalahni Crews ran the length of the field breaking away from the pack, before gifting the try to Tahli Weigand over the line who scored in the 59th minute for the Sharks, further securing their lead at 14-8. Pawson then added the extras with a successful conversion in the 60th minute.
Steelers cruise to 60-0 victory
On Saturday the Illawarra Steelers delivered an outstanding performance, dominating the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval and cruising to a 60-0 victory.
Their attack was flawlessly executed, with every play meticulously planned, establishing them as the team to beat.
Mia Davis was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick with tries in the ninth, 29th, and 56th minutes. Her first try came early in the match, setting the tone for the Steelers’ onslaught. Davis' relentless runs on the right wing, in sync with Nicolson's precise passing, saw the pair poking holes on the right side of the Rabbitoh's defence all game.
Charlotte Nicolson was flawless with the boot, converting all six of the Steelers' tries, and added a try of her own in the 34th minute. Other notable contributions came from Halle Barrett, who opened the scoring in the first minute.
Click here for results from the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Click here for results from the UNE Harold Matthews Cup.
Click here for results from the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup.
Click here for results from the UNE SG Ball Cup.
Click here for results from the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Click here for results from the SLE Andrew Johns Cup.
Click here for results from the SLE Laurie Daley Cup.
