Australian Schoolgirls claim hard-fought win against Junior Orchids

The Australian Schoolgirls were made to work hard against the PNG Junior Orchids before claiming a 14-4 win at Santos National Football Stadium. 

Australia were on the board early with a great team try that went through the whole backline before Shalom Sauaso turned the ball back inside for Kayla Henderson to cut in and get the ball down. Sauaso converted the try for a 6-0 lead.

The game was played in 15-minute quarters, and the PNG Orchids came out in their second quarter with a bang, with the home team lock Deborah Kitipa putting in a stepping run to burst over the line after the Orchids took the ball out to the right then back to the left to go over for a great try. 

However, after soaking up some concentrated pressure for the Orchids, the Australian side were able to extend their lead in the second quarter when Gabriella Savage Fa’Aoso went over in the far left corner after a barnstorming run from prop Alice Shannon got the Orchids on the back foot. 

After an entertaining first half with some errors from both sides, but also some entertaining play; the Australian side went into the break with a 10-4 lead. 

The second half was another back-and-forth showing, but the visitors were able to go further in front after captain Indie Bostock went over on the right edge for a 14-4 lead.

Despite both sides making breaks, the ball handling in the hot conditions let them down and neither team was able to add to their points tally, with Australia taking the win. 

Squad lists

Australian Schoolgirls

1. Kayla Henderson, 2. Gabriella Savage Fa’Aoso, 3. Indie Bostock, 4. Phoenix-Raine Hippi, 5. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, 6. Shalom Sauaso, 7. Olivia Va’alele, 8. Seriah Palepale, 9. Raewyn Olomalii, 10. Alice Shannon, 11. Pauline Sui-ruka
12. Amanii Misa, 13. Trinity Tauanei, 14. Mahlie Cashin, 15. Ella Walker, 16. Reegan Hicks, 17. Stella Lewis, 18. Liesl Hopoate Coach: Patricia Raikadroka

PNG Prime Minister's XIII Junior Orchids 

Becky Kambi, Benitha Paka, Deborah Kitipa, Ennie James, Gail Manove, Hadassah Isokali, Jacinta Gerry, Josephine Howard, Joyce Hobert, Rhonda Joseph, Ruth Gende, Ruth Paul, Samantha Michael, Shelina Pota, Skylyn Sil, Tasha Storm, Wendy Jos Coach: Solomon Kuluniasi 

Match Snapshot

• The game was played in 15-minute quarters due to the warm conditions.
• Junior Orchids winger Jacinta Gerry was stretchered off the field late in the second half. 
• Australian Schoolgirls captain Indie Bostock is the younger sister of Dolphins Dally M rookie of the year winner Jack Bostock. Indie also played in the winning New South Wales Under 19 State of Origin this year. 
• The Australian forwards were impressive in the middle for the visitors with the likes of Alice Shannon making good metres, while Junior Orchids centre Tasha Storm was busy for her side. 

Play of the Game

What they said

PNG Junior Orchids

"In that second quarter, Australia started to roll through us ... and it was hard to control that middle. (The results was) 26-0 last year to 14-4 this year, this is a huge improvement. Future looks bright for Orchids." - PNG Junior Orchids coach Solomon Kuluniasi 

Australian Schoolgirls

"Hard-fought win, errors are a part of rugby league, but it's about what you do after that. Really proud of the girls for sticking to it to the end." Australian Schoolgirls coach Patricia Raikadroka