Dragons defy slippery Eels to go back-to-back
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St George Illawarra have recorded back-to-back wins in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership to beat Parramatta 10-0 in torrential conditions at WIN Stadium.
The Dragons took a 6-0 lead into half-time in a fairly even contest before the heavens opened up in the second half to cause havoc for both sides and their execution.
Players were flat out trying to see the ball in the rain as the water filled Wollongong's usually lush and picturesque surface.
A penalty goal to Rachael Pearson with nine minutes remaining extended the Dragons' lead before a charging run from Elsie Albert earned another two points for her side with the clock winding down.
Dragons defence denies Daniels
Albert was among best on field for the Dragons in a spirited performance from the PNG powerhouse.
It was a difficult day for the Eels, who struggled with execution in the opening half before their completion rates went pear-shaped when the rain hit.
Match: Dragons v Eels
Round 2 -
home Team
Dragons
2nd Position
away Team
Eels
4th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Match Snapshot
- Dragons halfback Rachael Pearson scored all 10 points for the side, including her first NRLW try, the first time its occurred in the competition.
- Dragons forward Kody House was placed on report in the 21st minute for late contact on Sereana Naitokatoka.
- Jocephy Daniels left the field in the second half with a chest issue.
- Kennedy Cherrington (121 metres) and Simaima Taufa (103 metres) led the way for the Eels in the middle.
- Elsie Albert was enormous for the Dragons with 159 metres and a line break to help set up victory for her side.
- Eels centre Tiana Penitani had an unhappy day out with four handling errors.
- It was the first time the Dragons have held a team to nil in the NRLW.
House goes on report
Play of the Game
What turned out to be the one and only try of the game, Rachael Pearson's effort to regather an intercept attempt from Botille Vette-Welsh close to the line proved the difference.
Pearson in the right place at the right time
What they said
“We had a few missing this week so it just shows the strength of the squad. Those girls came in for an opportunity – Aliti Namoce started and she was fantastic, Renee Targett played her first game, Keele Browne played her first game - so to do that and defend the way we did in atrocious conditions, I said to the girls it is probably the best NRLW win that they have had": Dragons coach Jamie Soward.
"We made too many errors and let the Dragons build pressure on us in the game. We weren't smart enough or on top of our game enough to turn it around. We have got some tough players in that team and we have got some people who are great leaders and this week they have got to take control of our team and make sure we do everything we can to win. It is a big challenge for us but we will learn a lesson from that and make sure we apply that in our first game at Parramatta next week": Eels coach Dean Widders.
What's next
Both sides will enjoy a seven-day turnaround before featuring in a double-header at CommBank Stadium next Sunday. The Dragons will shift their attention to a clash with reigning champions Brisbane. Coach Jamie Soward will be hoping to have Jaime Chapman back from a head knock. Parramatta will feature in the following game against Gold Coast.
