Waaka's golden run continues as Broncos outlast Raiders
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Doubles to Stacey Waaka and Julia Robinson led the Broncos to a 28-22 victory over the Raiders in oppressive conditions at Totally Workwear Stadium on Saturday.
With temperatures in the high 20s, both sides produced some quality attack before the Broncos sealed back-to-back wins when Waaqa crossed for her second four-pointer in the 66th minute.
A poor start for the Raiders when they allowed the kick-off to go dead and the Broncos made them pay when Waaka flew high to bring down an Ali Brigginshaw bomb and found Romy Teitzel who sent it on to centre Shenae Ciesiolka for a 4-0 lead after two minutes.
The Broncos doubled their advantage in the 11th minute when Ciesiolka went right from a set scrum and stood up her opposite number Mackenzie Wiki to make it 8-0.
Shenae Ciesiolka 1st Try
Come the 22nd minute and Wiki turned the tables on Ciesiolka when she took a pass from Ashleigh Quinlan and burst through the Broncos' No.4 to post her team's first try. With Zahara Temara's conversion the Raiders were back within two points.
Three minutes later Brigginshaw and Waaqa combined again when the playmaker kicked across field and the Olympic sevens gold medalist flew high to take the ball and plunge over for a 12-6 lead.
The Raiders struck first in the second half when Zahara Temara and Apii Nicholls combined to put Shakiah Tungai over in the corner before a rapid fire double to Broncos flyer Robinson opened up a 12-point lead for the home side.
Stacey Waaka Try
Some slick ball-playing from Zahara Temara opened the way for Kerehitina Matua to cross in the 52nd minute before the Raiders drew level at 22-22 when bench hooker Emma Barnes burrowed over from dummy half.
With four minutes to play the Broncos again hit the front when Ciesiolka delivered the final pass for Waaka to complete her double and Teitzel converted from wide out to make it 28-22.
Match: Broncos v Raiders
Round 4 -
home Team
Broncos
4th Position
away Team
Raiders
8th Position
Venue: Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane
Match Snapshot
- The Broncos had 61 per cent of possession in the first half.
- Raiders back-rower Monalisa Soliola left the field in the 25th minute with an arm injury.
- Broncos prop Chelsea Lenarduzzi had 13 runs for 121 metres in the opening half and finished the day with 172 metres.
- Raiders fullback Apii Nicholls left the field for a HIA in the 38th minute which she passed.
Shakiah Tungai Try
- Raiders winger Shakiah Tungai and Broncos halfback Ali Brigginshaw left the field for HIAs after a head clash during the second half. Both passed and returned to the match with nine minutes to play.
- Broncos lock Jasmine Fogavini suffered a shoulder injury in the first half.
- Raiders centre Mackenzie Wiki was sent for a HIA with 20 seconds remaining in the match. She had run for 203 metres and broken eight tackles before leaving the field.
- Broncos winger Stacey Waaka ran for 172 metres and had six tackle breaks.
- The Broncos have won four from four at Totally Workwear Stadium.
Great footwork from Waaka
Play of the Game
Shenae Ciesiolka 2nd Try
What They Said
Broncos: Round 4
Raiders: Round 4
