THE LEAGUE LADY | Powerful Broncos overcome Resurgent Dragons to go Back to Back
The Brisbane Broncos have defeated the St George-Illawarra Dragons 30-6 to win their second NRLW Premiership in as many years.
After a shock loss last week, their first in NRLW history, the back to back premiers were eager to get back in the winner’s circle.
Despite putting up a good fight against the Broncos in their round one match, the Dragons struggled this time around with only 43% possession and having to make almost 100 more tackles.
The Broncos surge started early in the game when a smart play by hooker Lavinia Gould saw her step through defenders and score in the corner. An error by the Dragons saw Brisbane capitalise on the opportunity twelve minutes later when Raecene McGregor slipped through the defence to score next to the posts.
Despite the Broncos being denied a try late in the first half, errors and costly misjudgements saw the Dragons struggle to catch up.
While injuries and a young side disadvantaged the Dragons, their hopes of a comeback slipped away early in the second half.
The scoreline was extended in the 39th minute when a sharp cut out pass by Ali Brigginshaw saw Julia Robinson score in the corner. The following set saw the Broncos go the length of the field and score by the posts through Chelsea Lenarduzzi, barging through defenders.
The nail was in the coffin with 12 minutes to go, when centre Amber Pilley crossed the line for their fifth and final try.
To their credit, the Dragons didn’t give up. Captain Kezie Apps showed pure strength as she spun off defenders to score a consolidation try, and winger Shakiah Tungai took a beautiful intercept that nearly helped to boost her team on the board.
Broncos skipper and ex Dragon Annette Brander won the Karyn Murphy Medal for best on field, after not only a fantastic game but a fantastic season.
