We are delighted to present a match report of England Women v PNG Orchids produced by Greg Robinson.
Special comments have been added by Leeds Rhinos’ Danika Priim!
Danika: ‘It was a perfect start from England with Tara Jones, playing out of position in the centres, scoring the first try within after just a minute. This, along with previous weekend’s win, gave England an added boost of confidence. PNG’s Elisie Albert led the way with some bone crunching tackles – they got on the scoreboard after a controversial score & took the lead.’
Danika: PNG came out flying in the second half and replicated England’s start with a try within 2 mins. England needed to settle but it seemingly added some pressure shown with more unforced errors. The impact of Grace field coming off the bench was exactly what England needed as she added the strength and resilience down the middle to force PNG back in contact.
Danika: ‘PNG’s first try gave the Orchids the confidence to go forward along with a very strong defensive & great first contact. This put England on the back foot’
However England weren’t going to go down easily and, courtesy of some big hits from Grace Field, were starting to restrict PNG’s attacking metres. They got their reward for big defensive efforts when captain Emily Rudge, buoyed from her 4 try performance last week, was too powerful and got the ball down to give England a chance of hope.
The game seemed to be swinging back in England’s favour after a monster kick from Castleford’s Roche which was chased by Leeds’ Caitlin Beevers – forcing a repeat set. England didn’t score in that next set but eventually, Roche drew in defenders and played Naomi Williams, who scored 5m in from the touchline! Stanley managed to convert the tough game which saw a England level the scores!
It seemed that we’d be heading towards a draw.. but with seconds remaining, England’s hearts were shattered. The PNG Orchids broke through the line, stepped under the clutches of Tara Stanley and scored a match-winner, which caused wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. PNG are one of the most passionate nations when it comes to Rugby League which became visible when one of their players couldn’t hold back tears during the hooter.
Danika: The test series ended 1-1. A life changing experience and a great opportunity for the younger and less experienced girls to get a feel for International Rugby prior to the 2021 World Cup. Well done ladies, it’s been a great experience to follow but congratulations to PNG on winning their first ever test match on home soil – a historic and momentous occasion in front of an absolutely awesome crowd!
Danika: ‘England getting 2 quick tries in succession helped to gain back some momentum in the second half’
Danika: ‘The PNG crowd were an added man. Their support was audible and they cheered every tackle & break’
England are likely to be disappointed with the result and the number of errors, especially considering they received a convincing win over identical opposition just a week ago. For those who were up before early, they were treated to a great clash which was made possible due to the Women’s Rugby League revolution.
Danika ‘Elsie Albert (PNG) was the standout player on her side with Grace Field (England) having a massive impact when she came on – they’re my two women of the match!’
The Rugby League Scene 