The Canberra Raiders have fallen just short against the Parramatta Eels, suffering a 18-16 loss at GIO Stadium Canberra on Sunday afternoon.
In the second last regular game of the season, Canberra looked to impress and keep their faint finals hopes alive but couldn't get the job done against a strong Eels outfit.
The Eels came out firing in the tenth minute utilizing their left side as second rower Mahalia Murphy successfully scored, establishing a 6-0 lead.
A back and forth contest between both sides, the Eels proved to be using their speed as Tyla Amuati put her body on the line to beat multiple defenders, furthering their lead to 12-0.
As Canberra headed into the sheds in the first half trailing 12-0 they looked to take momentum back in the second.
The Raiders made a comeback for their side, weakening the Eels defence as winger Madison Bartlett flew over for a try, establishing a 12-4 scoreline.
Raiders co-captain Simaima Taufa powered her way to the try-line in the 57th minute, bringing the home side to within two points of the Eels.
But the Eels were quick to find a gap in the Canberra’s defense as Rory Owen scored a four pointer in the crucial final minutes, extending the visitors lead to 16-10.
In the nail biting seconds left of the clash Raiders winger Shakiah Tungai claimed a four pointer, putting the score out to 18-16 for full time.
The Canberra Raiders will look to push hard ahead of their final clash of the NRLW regular season against Gold Coast Titans, next Sunday at 1.30pm.
