Palmerston Raiders surge into the women’s grand final with a preliminary final win over Nightcliff Dragons

STEADFAST defence and dynamic running saw the Palmerston Raiders put themselves into the NRL NT Women’s Premiership grand final with a 26-6 win over Nightcliff Dragons.

Palmerston's Ashley Stott takes a hit-up during her team’s 26-6 win over Nightcliff in the 2020 NRL NT women's preliminary final. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

STEADFAST defence and dynamic running saw the Palmerston Raiders put themselves in the NRL NT Women’s Premiership grand final with a 26-6 win over Nightcliff Dragons.

Nightcliff were the first to score through Emily Kapernick with the side eager to bring the pace early and claim the last berth in the grand final.

However, it was Palmerston who found themselves in the driver’s seat for the remainder of the match with Danielle Smith and Simone Garner dotting over the line.

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But it was strong defence that kept the side ahead at half time with the Dragons coming close to the try line on more than one occasion but walking away without the much-needed points.

The Raiders entered the second half with the same intensity that they finished the first with Ruti Faatoafe and Ayesha Kay making important inroads into opposition territory.

Precise passing and strong running saw Jo De La Coeur go over the line within two minutes of the whistle and Ciara Aigea found her way through the Dragons defence soon after.

Nightcliff continued to fight running hard into Palmerston’s territory but ultimately came away with very little to show for it.

On the other hand Palmerston found themselves back in the scoring as soon as they reclaimed the ball with De La Coeur finding the try line once again.

Palmerston coach Anthony Smith was ecstatic after the win with his side now placing themselves in a grand final bout against the unbeaten Sistaz.

“Ecstatic, it’s absolutely amazing. Best feeling I’ve had in a long time to be honest following that win,” Smith told the NT News.

“It came down to support play, trust and just sticking to the game plan. Nightcliff put it on to us in the first ten minutes but our defence held and our trust in each other really shone through there.

“Focus now ahead of final is just go to training, regroup and have a yarn. We will look to adjust our flaws, look at what our strengths were and come in next week with the intent to get over the Sistaz.”