In a Girls League Tag classic, the Lions prevail against the Tigers in a “Queen Of The Jungle” GLT Final which shows the future of League Tag in WA is strong.
With the Alkimos Tigers progressing to the grand final after a big semi final win, they were full of running early and it took some stout South Perth Lions defence to hold them out after repeated sets on their line.
And when the Lions got their chance, they took it. With a last tackle kick that went awry for the Tigers back three, Matilda Nicol swooped on the error and ran it 30 metres for the score. With Abigail Tutt nailing the conversion from wide the Lions started positive.
Unfortunately they butchered the kick off, and gave the Tigers the chance to strike right back. And while they defended brilliantly they kept turning the ball over and after a couple of errors, the Tigers obliged and took advantage.
And it was their strike weapon Lexi Muncaster who took advantage, after a quick play the ball, she sliced through behind the play the ball and scored and the Tigers were back in the ball game 6-4.
The Lions immediately went back on the attack, but after a couple of pressure sets, the Tigers went on a long jaunt through winger Xaria Cavanna and went back into the Lions territory.
And Muncaster was there to make the difference again. A 40 metre run, where she beat no less than 4 defenders with footwork and speed showed how powerful a player she has been all season, as the Tigers take the lead heading into the break 8-6.
After halftime, both teams went into a bit of a holding pattern, trading blows in the middle of the field. With both teams going back and forth for the first 5 minutes, it was a matter of who would blink first. And after a mix up on a kick reception it was the Tigers who got first crack.
But South Perth held on, and then the lions through their own last tackle kick got a chance at a try. And a beautiful old school “mouse-trap” play almost paid off, with Harper McKay setting up winger Fisher for what looked like the go ahead score, only for Cavanna to come up with a brilliant late tag.
Something had to give, and with 9 minutes remaining, the Lions finally got in front. After a right side shift, Harper Waikari sent a beautiful ball into what we looked to be a deciding score. The Tigers held on, but Abigail Tutt made them pay for it next play the ball as she beat two defenders and scored in the corner, to put the Lions up 10-8.
Hanging on against a relentless Tigers attack, Harper McKay had several scything runs to get the Lions out of jail, and when the siren went in the background , the Lions 3 year wait was over, as they finally won the big one. Massive commiserations to the Tigers who fought all game and never said no.
South Perth Lions 10
Tries – Matilda Nicol, Abigail Tutt
Conversions – Abigail Tutt
Alkimos Tigers 8
Tries – Lexi Muncaster (2)
Player Of The Match – South Perth Lions – #7 Harper McKay
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