Territory All Stars come in with second half surge to see off Indigenous All Stars in senior women’s Deadly Cup

A LATE shift in momentum saw the Territory All Stars storm home to win 20-12 over the Indigenous All Stars in the senior women’s Deadly Cup

Christabel Aigea Faatoafe as the Indigenous All Stars take on the Territory All Stars in the senior women's rugby league Deadly Cup. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A LATE shift in momentum saw the Territory All Stars storm home to win 20-12 over the Indigenous All Stars in the women’s Deadly Cup.

The Indigenous All Stars found their way in front almost immediately with Litchfield Bears’ captain Shari Overall kicking and diving on a dropped ball for the opening try.

The Territory team looked likely to strike back soon after but some sturdy wing defence from Kiera Kurnoth held them at bay.

And it wasn’t long until the Indigenous side were back on top with Bianca Stokes sending a kick downfield allowing Overall to seal her second try.

The Territory All Stars didn’t let their heads slump and raced their way back into opposition territory where Ciara Aigea crashed through to put her side on the board.

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It was another kick, this time from Leeanne Allia, landing in the arms that of Abi Sekitoga that earned the Indigenous All Stars their third try.

However, the Territory All Stars hit their straps in the second half applying plenty of pressure for long periods resulting in a momentum shifting try for Nanise Vakacavu.

Sharks half Crystal Browne fed off that momentum moving the ball across the field resulting in a second try for Aigea putting their side ahead for the first time.

The Indigenous outfit poked and prodded but it was the Territory side that had the fitness late in proceedings and a charge over try for Sarah O’Connor in the dying minutes sealed the deal.

“It’s a great win particularly after we came off a hard loss against them last year,” Browne said.

“We were in the game from the get go but made small defensive errors that let them get their scores early.

“So for us it was about settling down, taking it easy and getting the one percenters right and once we managed that we were good.

“It’s always different playing these sort of games. There was a real mix of clubs so it was about balancing each other out and finding how we mixed skill wise.

“The Deadly Cup is great. It’s a real positive celebrating Indigenous culture and showcasing the talent that we have up here.”