The nib Newcastle Knights NRLW side have secured an historic minor premiership after downing the Wests Tigers 28-8 at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night.
After trailing at the break to a determined Tigers outfit, the Knights produced a strong second half shutting out the home side to achieve a maiden minor premiership for the Club in the elite women's competition.
The win also secured the side a home semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium slated for next Sunday as the squad finished on 16 competition points.
HOW IT PLAYED OUT:
1st min - The match kicked off at Leichhardt Oval for the NRLW side's first night game.
14th min - The Knights had the first points of the night with Sheridan Gallagher running in for her sixth try of the season.
A long pass from Jesse Southwell found the winger open and Gallagher planted the ball down, plus added two points from the sideline.
Gallagher scores her sixth of the season
20th min - The Tigers hit back through centre Ricky Horne to bridge the margin to two points.
28th min - The home side took the lead when Rebecca Pollard crossed in the right corner.
35th min - Newcastle trailed 6-4 at the break.
Southwell all technique
39th min - The red and blue regained the lead with Abigail Roache proving too fast to streak 60 metres to score.
Following a brilliant defensive play from Caitlan Johnston, the Knights broke through off a scrum win with Roache showcasing her speed to streak away.
Roache puts on the burners
50th min - The Knights extended their lead when Roache dove over the try-line for a second.
Nita Maynard jumped out of dummy-half to put the Knights within striking distance before quick hands from the following play, had the Kiwi centre bagging a double.
Roache has a double
57th min - Forward Yasmin Clydsdale scored the Knights fourth of the game.
Tamika Upton double-pumped the football into the line before hitting the forward with a short-ball to send Clydsdale over the line.
Clydsdale dives in
66th min - Olivia Higgins added a late try scooting out of dummy-half to post another four-pointer.
Higgins seals it
70th min - The Knights completed the game to seal an historic minor premiership ahead of the Club's second finals appearance.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The NRLW side will host a home semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium with the time and opponent to be determined.
