3 minute read

The Maori Women All Stars have cruised to victory over the Indigenous Women All Stars off the back of a strong peformance by five-eighth Raecene McGregor.

A two-try performance from five-eighth Raecene McGregor has guided the Maori Women's team to a comfortable 24-0 rugby league victory over the Indigenous Women's All Stars.

McGregor had her fingerprints across all over Saturday's game in Townsville, scoring a try in each half off the back of a dominant performance by her forward pack.

The Maori side rampaged up the middle all game in the wet conditions, having the lions share of possession and doubling their opponents in running metres on their way to claiming the Fanning-Murphy Trophy.

In the opening half, McGregor made the most of a smart kick by halves partner Zahara Temara after just three minutes, grounding the ball which fortuitously ricocheted off the goal posts into her path.

The score quickly became 12-0 after a brilliant behind-the-back flick by Crystal Tamarua through contact put Amy Turner over in the corner, before Temara added the extras from the sideline.

Shanice Parker then added her name to the try-scoring list on the half-time hooter with a quick tap off a penalty leaving the Indigenous goal line defence scratching their heads.

It was a night to forget for the Indigenous women who will rue their handling errors in what were pool-like conditions.

Jamie Chapman was their bright spark at fullback with some piercing and lively runs, but it was no match for a well-drilled Maori outfit.

Second-half tries to the two McGregor's, first Page then Raecene, put the result well beyond doubt as the Indigenous team were kept scoreless.

It was an exhausting battle for the Indigenous players after they went behind so early and then found themselves on the wrong side of the penalty count and errors.