By Jesse Godfrey
The New South Wales Women’s side have claimed the Nellie Doherty Cup for the second-straight year after defeating Queensland 22-6 in the Interstate Challenge at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Sunday afternoon.
NSW made the most of their first opportunity with a lovely cut out pass from fullback and Dragons Ambassador Sam Bremner to send 19-year-old debutant Jessica Sergis over for the first try.
A Caitlin Moran cross-field kick was swooped on by Sergis soon after, who crossed for her second try in just 11 minutes.
Queensland were on the board come the 22nd minute when centre Jenni-Sue Hoepper beat four defenders to score.
That’s how the scores remained until the halftime interval with NSW holding a narrow four-point lead.
Early in the second half, Bremner went down for the second time in the game and was assisted off the field with an apparent ankle injury.
It didn't stop the Blues onslaught however as a beautiful cross-field kick from halfback Maddie Studdon was swooped upon by Corban McGregor who touched down in the corner.
A nice flick pass from Moran set up Vanessa Foliaki in the 57th minute after she found some room out wide to crash over.
Moran was in the thick of the action again when she linked up with Sergis who went over in the corner to claim her hat-trick and round out the Blues' 16-point win.
Dragons Ambassador and New South Wales back-rower Kezie Apps was awarded Player of the Match at game's end.
New South Wales 22 (Jessica Sergis 3, Vanessa Foliaki, Corban McGregor tries, Caitlin Moran 1 goal) defeated Queensland 6 (Jenni-Sue Hoepper try, Chelsea Baker 1 goal) at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. Half-time: NSW 10-6.
