Round 8 - Women’s: Whites withstand Gungahlin’s Maake trifecta to make it four in a row
by Brodie Campbell
The Queanbeyan Whites have kept their winning streak alive in the BentSpoke Premier 15s competition, extending it four straight wins with a scrappy 22-19 victory over the Gungahlin Eagles on Thursday.
In what was a crucial game for the Whites in their efforts to keep up with finals contention, they came into the contest full of confidence fresh off a 17-5 victory against the Canberra Royals the week before.
The home side seemed to pick up where they left off as they drew first blood in the 13th minute through a powerful charge by forward Seni Faupula. From the following kick-off, Queanbeyan wouldn’t have to wait long for the next points of the contest, as a strong attacking raid was finished off by outside centre Jade Lynn Burdeyny, who carved her way through some sloppy Eagles defence to race away 40 meters and score in the corner.
The Whites continued to dominate the first half through some terrific defence, however there were moments of concern as Siutiti Maake crossed over for the Eagles in the 20th minute, ensuring that Gungahlin wouldn’t go into the break scoreless.
After finishing the first half off with a 10-5 lead, the second half seemed like it would be more of the same, as Jacquiline Eneliko burst through to extend the Whites lead to 17-5 after 45 minutes.
The game took a dramatic turn, as Siutiti Maake crossed over just 5 minutes later for her second of the night to cut the Eagles’ deficit down to five, before scoring another just three minutes later to snatch the lead away from the Whites.
Down by two with just under three minutes remaining, the Whites seemed to be dead and buried. But just like a true finals contender, they found a way to fight back, as Thalia Uilelea strolled over in the corner after a beautiful left side shift to steal the lead, and the win from the persistent Eagles team.
The win showed true character, and as the noise from the crowd showcased that night, it was a game that they just couldn’t have dropped. The Whites now have leapfrogged Gungahlin to secure 3rd place on the ladder and will have a chance to cement their spot as they face the Canberra Royals once again this Saturday afternoon at Campese Field.
Tries: Thalia Uilelea (1), Seni Faupula (1), Jade Lynn Burdeyny (1), Jacquiline Pele (1). Conv: Yvonne Vuata (1)