2025 NSW NRL Schoolgirls Cup: Hills SHS v Bass SHS, Round 3

Bass High still has to endure a few nervous moments to stay alive in the Schoolgirls Cup, but at least their performance against Hills Sports High gives them hope. Watch the full REPLAY.

Bass High has a pulse in the race for the Schoolgirls Cup finals after downing Hills Sports High 20-10 at Ringrose Park.

Anything less than victory would’ve seen them eliminated.

Now they find themselves cheering on Hunter Sports High in their clash with Erindale College this afternoon, with a win for the former ensuring Bass’ season remains alive.

The visitors were happy to chance their hand early on, enjoying the best of the opening exchanges.

REPLAY

Hills SHS v Bass SHS – 2025 NSW NRL Schoolgirls Cup Round 3

Watch the full replay in the window above.

But they weren’t able to crack a staunch Hill defence, desperate to maintain its unbeaten run in the competition.

Eventually Hills got its chance to attack, and they broke the deadlock in the 14th minute thanks to a lovely unders ball from Abbey Larcombe to a barnstorming Finn Burchell to crash through Bass’ goal-line defence.

Just as it looked like the home side was getting on top, Elouise Maher took advantage of the defence napping on the line to level the scores for Bass in the shadows of halftime.

Needing a win to have any hope of qualifying for the finals, Bass took that momentum into the second when they took their first lead just minutes into the second half after catching Hills short out wide and Paige Tauaneai the beneficiary of a three-player overlap.

Jizelle Thompson-Liveti tried to cut into the margin, making a break down the short side, only for the final pass to go begging.

They were made to pay down the other end with a blistering step and turn of foot from Mere Sivo, who burnt off her marker and raced the best part of 40m to score the try of the day and give Bass a commanding 16-6 advantage with 10 minutes to play.

The result was sealed with a bang, as halfback Leilani Kavapalu freed her arm to reach out and slam the ball down to put an emphatic exclamation mark on the win.

PREVIEW

Anika Penitani might be playing out of position at halfback.

But you wouldn’t know it judging by her play so far in the Schoolgirls Cup.

We’ve become accustomed to seeing Penitani in the dummy half role for Parramatta at the junior reps level and at lock for her club the Hills Bulls.

But when it comes to Hills Sports High, Penitani is pulling the strings, with coach Patricia Raikadroka impressed at how she has handled the switch ahead of Thursday’s clash against Bass Sports High.

The Hills v Bass match will be available live and exclusive on KommuityTV from 11am.

“She’s had a little bit of experience at half, but is predominantly a dummy half,” she said.

“The move was based on what’s best for the team. She’s still developing her craft and it’s a lot of responsibility.

“But she’s getting a greater understanding of that. With our program we focus on skill development.

“They move into positions and sometimes feel uncomfortable. But at the same time we’re confident our players have the skill set to put that together and be able to support the team.”

Coming into their clash with fellow powerhouse Bass High, Raikadroka is well aware of the strengths of their opponents, but confident they can get the result.

“With the last three years being in the same pool, we always have to play them,” she said.

“It’s good to come up against them and what they will offer. We still want to evolve and develop other areas of our game.

Anika Penitani will be a key player in Thursday’s matchup. Picture: Warren Gannon.

“This is our last game before it becomes do-or-die in the finals. On Tuesday (at training) we focused purely on how we build pressure and everyone’s individual jobs.”

Hills is guaranteed a spot in the finals, but Raikadroka has warned her players not to think too far ahead of the task immediately at hand.

“It’s really good for the girls. They love a trip away,” she said.

“Also to be in that environment in a stadium like that (McDonald Jones Stadium) is amazing. The pathways system is great for the girls and it’s awesome to see some of the facilities if they choose to pursue a spot in that elite arena.

“But it’s one game at a time. Yes we’re confident we’ll get there, but how we get there based on our performance on Thursday will be the best preparation for us.”

Originally published as 2025 NSW NRL Schoolgirls Cup: Hills SHS v Bass SHS, Round 3