Knights overcome Raiders after league first nil-all half-time score in wet conditions
Updated . First published at
The Newcastle Knights shrugged off a sluggish opening half to defeat the Canberra Raiders 18-0 at a rain-soaked McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The half-time score saw the first nil-all tally in NRLW history, but the Knights came out with a different attitude after the break to keep the Raiders winless this season.
With three successful conversions, star Knights halfback Jesse Southwell extended her impressive kicking streak to 21 straight this season.
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Early in the match, Newcastle hooker Olivia Higgins appeared to suffer an elbow complaint.
Higgins stayed down after landing awkwardly in a tackle, clutching at her elbow.
There was immediate concern that Higgins had hyper-extended her elbow, but after being assessed by the trainer, she remained on the field.
Olivia Higgins of the Knights receives medical attention for an elbow issue. Scott Gardiner via Getty Images
On the stroke of half time, Knights winger Sheridan Gallagher was placed on report for high contact in a tackle.
In scrappy conditions, both teams were held scoreless at half time for the first time in the competition's history.
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"It says a lot about the defensive efforts of both clubs," Jillaroos great Ruan Sims said in commentary for Nine at half time.
"I've been really impressed with the Raiders and the way that they started that game.
"Obviously, they'll be looking to pick up some points, but [they] absorbed a fair bit of pressure, played up the right end of the field.
"You might have some frustrated Knights, too, but it's all about containing that and coming out and playing the next 35 minutes."
The Newcastle Knights celebrate a try against the Canberra Raiders. Scott Gardiner via Getty Images
The Knights broke through for the first four-pointer of the match with Gallagher going over in the 38th minute.
A double pump from Southwell put Shanice Parker into space, before she offloaded to Gallagher.
Moments later, Newcastle had back-to-back tries through Tiana Davison straight off the bench.
Shrugging off her earlier elbow issue, Higgins went over to seal the victory for Newcastle.
The Raiders were hurt by several errors in attack and penalties for high tackles, with Sims repeatedly calling for the team to "lower their target zone".
