ISP hold nerve to win nailbiter in tough clash
Indigenous-South Pacific claimed victory by the barest of margins after a nailbiting finish to the women’s representative clash at Cazalys Stadium
Neither side gave an inch in a fierce contest highlighted by plenty of big hits and tackles.
All-Stars led after a goalless opening term, and maintained that three-point lead into the main break.
ISP captain Jennifer Robinson won best on ground for her side, while Grace Johnson won it for the All-Stars.
Robinson, who leads Manunda Hawks, said she just wanted to play her role after missing the opportunity last year.
“Not playing last year motivated me to be the best I could be and to play the leadership role that the coaches had entrusted in me,” Robinson said.
“To be given the captaincy of this team was a tremendous honour because you can just see the talent throughout the group.
“It was probably one of the best wins I have ever been a part of, other than a premiership.
“Credit to our girls for sticking it out and running the game out and holding on in the end.”
“It was such a fierce contest, no one took a step backwards which is what these types of matches are.”
The two sides traded goals in the third quarter, and when Lions’ Jessica Fatnowna kicked a goal for ISP halfway through the term it restored their threepoint lead heading into the final break.
ISP had all the run in the final term but kicked just four behinds.
Trailing by seven points with 90 seconds to go, arguably one of the best passages of play in the contest unfolded as AllStars captain Tiarne Sparks burst through the pack off halfback.
Sparks’ run created a goal for forward Naomi Reidy, closing the gap to just one point with less than a minute to go.
Needing a quick clearance out of the centre bounce, ISP held their nerve and trapped the ball once again.
Time ran out for the AllStars, as ISP walked away with a hard fought win.