Birch stars as Burleigh defies odds for victory
WHEN Burleigh rocked up to Pizzey Park with just 14 players for their top of the table SEQ women’s rugby league showdown with Easts, few could have predicted just how well things were about to pan out.
Along with missing their four Queensland Origin representatives, the Bears had three further players including Delwyn Fraser unavailable due to work commitments.
But nothing could stop the defending premiers, who cast all excuses aside to topple the Tigers 16-4 and move into first place.
It’s a steep rise from the fourth place they held just weeks ago.
Burleigh coach Tahnee Norris admitted they had been on “struggle street”.
“We were down to our bare minimum but we played really well,” she said.
“The girls were just outstanding. The first half they were unreal, they were making 80m every time they brought the ball out of their own end.
“They were really strong up the middle of the field.
“Again Amber Pilley had a really good game and our winger Tyler Birch played really well and she got our players’ player for the day.”
Jasmine Kemp was another to excel after shifting from second-row to lock.
Burleigh won’t have their Origin stars back for next week’s trip to play Brothers Ipswich but could be boosted by the return of Tayla Pilley from injury.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Rangers have secured a 46-16 win over NSWRL Pioneers at Pizzey Park.
Trai Fuller starred with a hat-trick, while Bailey Butler, Logan Spaander, Lata Fakalelu, Tristan Hope and Lenny Magey also scored tries.