The Illawarra Steelers survived a second-half comeback to defeat the Parramatta Eels 42-24 at Collegians Sporting Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The Weekend Wrap, brought to you by Steelers. Your home ground for entertainment.
The hosts took an early 6-0 lead with a try from wing Maria Paseka in the opening minutes before a double blow gave the visitors a 10-6 lead after 15 minutes.
Paseka got her second try 20 minutes in to level the score before three unanswered tries to Olivia Vale, Koffi Brookfield, and Shae Muhleisen gave the hosts a 28-10 lead at the break.
[Watch] Trinity Tauaneai and Mia-Rose Walsh seal the 18-point win with four-pointers.
The Eels mounted a strong comeback in the second stanza, reducing the margin to four with three unanswered tries of their own.
An Olivia Vale penalty on the hour mark gave the Steelers a six-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.
A rampaging try from the Steelers 17-year-old lock and player of the match Trinity Tauaneai (pictured) in the 65th minute put the result beyond doubt.
Mia-Rose Walsh put an exclamation mark on the win in the 69th minute with a dash down the sideline to score after some good lead-up work from Tayleah Handcock.
The Steelers are away to the Cronulla Sharks next Sunday, 28 July at Cronulla High School. kick off is at 12pm.
