Palmo’s forwards vital in top victory

PALMERSTON’S depth in ball carriers saw them overpower their Litchfield rivals and surge to a 30-8 win in round 12 of the NRL NT women’s premiership.

Litchfield gave themselves every chance in the opening minutes with Kiyanah Toy and Genna Stiles constant dangers.

It wasn’t long before their early pressure was rewarded in points, with Phoebe Caudill able to weave through the Raiders’ defence to score the opening try.

Despite their continued pressure, a massive 50m tackle-breaking carry from Palmerston’s Lucy Aigea completely changed the momentum of the game.

From there Raiders were on the front foot and Ruti Vaitusi Faatoafe was able to notch her side’s first of the day.

Palmerston kept coming and were able to put another score over the line before the end of the half through the ever-dangerous Ciara Aigea.

The Bears defended hard, but against the bigger runners from Palmerston they were forced to tackle in numbers, stretching their defence.

Vaitusi Faatoafe charged through for her second, before Lucy Aigea – who had seen both her sisters already get tries – powered through to grab one for herself.

Litchfield never gave up and captain Shari Togo crossed the white paint for the Bears’ second. But Raiders’ Debbie Gimini scored one soon after to wrap up proceedings.

Raiders’ Ashley Stott credited the side’s big runners for putting the team on the front foot. “It was good to get the win,” Stott said. “Our forwards are definitely really strong and set a really good platform, which our back players really feed off. Now we just need to continue to regroup, keep up the good energy and lift the intensity heading towards the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, Darwin Brothers women delivered Nightcliff a 60-0 beating.