The Philippines Women Sampaguitas met the Malta Dames for both nation’s first Senior International game in Sydney, Australia. It was a closely fought game on a wet track at Cabramatta’s New Era Stadium.
The Philippines started off well when in the 10minute 5/8 Natalia Webb breaks through the Malta defence from the Sampaguitas half and almost runs the length of the field only to be stopped with a try saving tackle from Malta.
The first half was a hard fought battle with Philippines Co-Captains Tammy Fletcher and Renee Targett leading their players, but not able to take advantage of being in Malta’s end of the field for most of the half. With the score dead locked at Nil all going into extra time.
In the second half at the 39 th minute mark Philippines knocked on from a Malta clearing kick.
From the scrum, Sarah Dimech’s run cuts through Philippines defence and makes Malta International Women’s Rugby League history, scoring her nation's first international try.
The rest of the second half was a battle of attrition between both teams. With Philippines Co-Captains Tammy Fletcher and Renee Targett again leading the way. With the Philippines best chances coming from Janine Jamieson being held up over the try line in the 53 rd minute. The same with Jacky Mae-Lyden also being held up over the line on the 59 th minute.
Final Score: Philippines 0-6 Malta
