Last-gasp try proves a winner in an absolute thriller at the Deadly Cup 2022

The Territory All Stars sealed a last-gasp winner to close out a thriller, while the Indigenous All Stars women rose to the occasion on a day which captured everything great about the Deadly Cup.

THE Territory All Stars sealed a last-gasp winner to close out a hotly contested contest 26-24 against the Indigenous All Stars at TRL Stadium, in a match which captured everything great about the Deadly Cup.

It was the Indigenous All Stars who got matters underway with a brilliant tackle breaking run from Moses Niki to score the opening try.

The early defence from the Indigenous side was equally as strong keeping out a lively Territory unit for long periods of the opening half.

Standout Territory captain Simaika Salaa charges into the Indigenous All Stars’ defence on Sunday. Pictures: (A)manda Parkinson

But they couldn’t keep out their strong opposition forever and soon a strong carry from Cooper Segeyaro and a smart pass from Dakota Marsh saw Will Beers over to level the score.

More strong runs followed from the Territory men and soon Marsh was over the line himself right under the posts to give his side the lead.

However, the Indigenous boys were quick and eager to strike back making sure everyone knew they would not lie down easy and it was David Tabaui who saw out the half with a try.

The back and forth contest continued into the second half with tries to Devontay Aho and Sam Ryan-Winn, both seizing their chances at the line.

The players rip in during the Deadly Cup 2022 at TRL Stadium. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

But for every Territory try the Indigenous replied until another bounding run from Niki gave Laitham Shirley a chance at another try putting the Indigenous side ahead once more.

However, that was not to last for in the dying minute of the game the Territory All Stars surged once more and a last gasp dive from Zakery Mott delivered a leveller.

It was then down to Segeyaro to get the job done for the Territory and his shot from the tee did not miss.

Territory captain Simaika Salaa was awarded the man of the match after a game full of powerful carries.

The Indigenous All Stars celebrate a try. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Territory All Stars coach Leon Cleal commended the players for the high calibre of play from each side and the respect both sides showed for the occasion.

“We enjoyed that. It was a game played in the right spirits of the game with both sides giving it their all,” Cleal said.

“That last minute try was really typical of what the game was all about and we’re really happy with the result.

“The Indigenous All Stars played really well. They were full of enthusiasm as we knew they would be as it was their day and our side were really respectful of that.

“The Deadly Cup is a wonderful idea and I think it’s only going to get bigger from here. The game was played to a really high quality and all the players gave it the respect it deserved.”

Day out for Indigenous women

THE Indigenous All Stars women rose to the occasion of the Deadly Cup with a big 26-0 win over their Territory rivals.

It was the Territory All Stars that won the occasion in the 2021 edition of the representative fixture, but eager to settle the score in the lead up to NAIDOC week.

Elisa Niki got matters underway for the Indigenous All Stars with a barnstorming run taking on five of her opposition defenders

Her ability to keep the ball alive while breaching the defensive line put her side on the front foot and a couple of phases later a handy pass from Ayesha Kay put Taqasha Barbour through for the opener.

The opening ignited the side and bruising runs from Niki and Cassiela Wapau punched holes through the NT All Stars defensive lines at every carry.

Indigenous All Stars player Shari Togo in Deadly Cup 2022. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Captain Ivana Schober made a difference coming off the bench and another massive carry from the Indigenous forwards saw Llisapeci Barba over the line.

Barba managed to seal another for herself before half time giving the Territory All Stars a mountain to climb.

They did have their digs with captain Crystal Browne calling the shots while the likes of Melody Wehipeihana tried to get their own running game going.

But it was still all the Indigenous side in the second half with Vanessa Lee Cheu grabbing a try while Tedisha Bush nabbed a brace to see out the game.

Indigenous All Stars captain Ivana Schober charges at the line in the Deadly Cup 2022. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“It’s awesome to get out there in such a significant week, playing alongside a bunch of my sisters and having their back on the field,” Schober said.

“We gelled so quickly. We were a squad put together at the last minute, so to come out there and put on that sort of performance was really special.

“The physicality is something I’ve never seen before. Everyone came out there and gave it their all.

“NAIDOC week is something very special to us, especially here in the Northern Territory. What better sport to kick it off than rugby. I’m very excited to see what the rest of the week holds.”

Originally published as Last-gasp try proves a winner in an absolute thriller at the Deadly Cup 2022