Warriors comeback to claim Katrina Fanning Shield to cap off inaugural season

The West Belconnen Warriors have defeated the Yass Magpies 24-22 in a thrilling game to secure the KFS premiership in their inaugural season.

A brilliant kick off from Yass saw them regain possession as the Warriors were caught sleeping, allowing the ball to go out of play.

This saw Yass have a fresh set 20 metres out from the Westies try-line, but Belconnen’s defence rallied together and held out the attack.

Belconnen got on the offensive, with forwards Rosaline Aumale and Crystal Papali’I gaining metres through the middle with their strong runs.

In the seventh minute we saw the first points added to the board thanks to a silky set of hands down the right side for Grace Tai to score in the corner for the Westies.

Jessica Grant was unable to convert from the sideline, leaving Belconnen to lead 4-0.

Yass replied in the 17th minute with their first try of the day coming off the back of a pinpoint cutout pass to find centre Lucy Prosser on the left edge.

Kaitlyn Andrews was unsuccessful in converting from the sideline, leaving the score locked in at 4-all.

Yass’ left edge attack continued to cause the Warriors problems, with Prosser completing her double in the 27th minute in nearly identical fashion to her first try.

Andrews successfully converted from out wide, handing Yass a 10-4 lead at the break.   

The game resumed for the second half with the Magpies awarded an early penalty to continue their raid on the Warriors.

A wrap around play from the scrum left open space for Sophie Gaynor to score and extend their lead once more.

The Warriors got one back through a barraging run from lock forward Lily Bone to give them a glimmer of hope of reclaiming the lead.

With just under 25 minutes remaining in the game, the Warriors brought the game back within four points after another barnstorming run from Tai to score her second of the afternoon.

A try from Chioma Enyi for the Warriors drew the scores level at 16-all as the game entered it’s final 16 minutes of the game.

A successful conversion from Mya McGlynn retook the lead for the Warriors for the second time in the match.

The Warriors continued their try scoring raid thanks to a strong run from Aumale to take the scores to 22-16.

Another successful conversion from McGlynn took the Warriors lead out to eight points the difference with 12 minutes left in the final.

With the clock running down, the Magpies gave their all to find a way back into the game after conceding four straight tries.

A try under the sticks from Magpies forward Samara Afele helped bring the scores back to within two points as she beat four defenders to the line.

The Warriors were able to hold off the Magpies to the final whistle, winning the game 24-22.