Capras women get their 2022 season off to a winning start, with win over West Brisbane Panthers

‘All-or-nothing move’: Emma Paki talks about her last-minute try that sealed victory for the Capras women in their opening game of the BMD Premiership.

Emma Paki scored a sensational try to secure a memorable win for the CQ Capras women in their opening game of the BMD Premiership.

The talented centre crossed with just 53 seconds on the clock to seal her team’s 18-14 win over the West Brisbane Panthers at Browne Park on Saturday.

She flew high to take a perfectly weighted bomb from Reeghyn Beardmore before hitting the deck and scrambling over the tryline despite some desperate defence.

There were jubilant scenes as her teammates and the parochial home crowd celebrated.

CQ Capras' centre Emma Paki scored a brilliant try in the last minute of the game to seal the win.

Paki said it felt incredible to score the match winner.

“I’ve always joked around with the girls at training about jumping for the ball… and it actually came to life,” she said.

“That was an all-or-nothing move. I just told them to kick it high… and it was pretty amazing to catch it and score.”

The Capras were down 6-nil at half-time before mounting a comeback in the second, inspired by skipper and second rower Mariah Storch.

She and fullback Keysha Baker scored to put the Capras in front 12-6.

Captain Mariah Storch leads the CQ Capras women out for their Round 1 clash against the West Brisbane Panthers.

But two tries in the space of eight minutes had the Panthers back in front 14-12 before Paki’s touch of brilliance.

Storch put the icing on the cake, kicking her third conversion of the night.

Capras’ coach Amanda Ohl said it was important that her team started the season with a win.

“It’s a trait of ours to stick in the game,” she said.

“We’re known for that hustle, that heart… we never give up, and it took until 53 seconds left to pinch the lead back.”

The CQ Capras women after their opening round win over the West Brisbane Panthers.

Ohl praised 19-year-old Paki, saying she had a bright future.

“Emma’s football is really going forward,” she said.

“Her game sense and her ability to turn a game on its head, there’s not many like it in the women’s game.”

Ohl said she could not have asked any more of Storch, who really led from the front.

She also made special mention of winger Bree Spreadborough, who helped get the team on the front foot with her elusive running, and lock Emily Powell who got through a mountain of work on the left edge.

The Capras are on the road for Round 2, heading to Brisbane to take on the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at 3pm Saturday.

Originally published as Capras women get their 2022 season off to a winning start, with win over West Brisbane Panthers