The Rabbitohs’ Tarsha Gale Cup Side has ended its season in a fighting effort, going down 28-4 against the Wests Tigers.
After going into the break down by four-points, the experience of the finals-bound Tigers side proved too much to handle as they ran away with the game in the second-half.
Although it was a bitter end to the Rabbitohs inaugural season in the competition, eight of the girls now move up in preparation for the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.
After a stagnated opening period to the game, the Rabbitohs showed plenty of effort in defence, holding out the Tigers in their multiple attempts at the line.
Shelby Muir eventually cracked the tough Rabbitohs defence in the 17th minute as she crashed over for the first try on the day.
Souths looked impressive on the back of this and began to match the intensity shown by the formattable Tigers pack.
Heading into the break down four points, the Rabbitohs ended on a high showing plenty of spirit in both attack and defence.
It was a tale of two halves as the hosts blitzed the Rabbitohs in the opening of the second-half with three quickfire tries.
Katie Edwards, Losana Lutu and Amber Johnstone all found themselves on the try-scorers list as they blew the lead out to 14 in quick succession.
The Rabbitohs managed to claw its way back into the game minutes later, as Grace Toga got her sides opening try.
In what would only be a consolation for the visitors, the Tigers capped off the successful afternoon when Maleah Mayol and Katie Edwards crossed over.
The Tigers now roll into the finals full of confidence after a stellar second-half outing at the expense of the young Rabbitohs side.
Although it was a tough day for the girls in the second-half, there was plenty of positives to take from the final outing of the Tarsha Gale Cup season.
Kasey Taaffe capped off a notable season with another inspirational game, her work in defence was a massive asset, as she led the side defensively against a quality Tigers pack.
Indiana Killick impressed in her first game in the halves, her stewardship in attack and kicking game was crucial for the girls as she showed plenty of potential for the future.
Shyla Mundine led the forward pack getting on the front foot against a big Tigers pack, her work on both sides on the field was commendable as she finished off a breakout season on a good note.
Head of Pathways, Joe O’Callaghan noted his pride in the effort shown from the girls throughout the season and is excited for the select players moving on to the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.
“The club is very appreciative of coach Karen Stuart and her staff, they’ve done a great job in our inaugural year in the competition, It was always going to be a tough ask this year, however they’ve stayed positive,”
“To further our commitment to female pathways, eight of the girls move up to Harvey Norman Women’s’ squad, we wish them girls the best of luck,”
“On behalf of the club, we thank the playing group for their commitment and effort during this season, it was second to none, from November last year they showed a commendable effort and should be proud of it,”
“We’re very excited for next year and what we can achieve, we have 70% of this young squad returning next year”.
