Loretta Lealiifano has won plaudits as the heart-and-soul of Easts after the Tigers won through to the StoreLocal Premier Women’s grand final with an upset.
Centre Lealiifano crossed for two tries as the Tigers stunned minor premiers Sunnybank 29-21 in the preliminary final at GPS Rugby Club on Sunday.
The reward for the Tigers is a shot at premiers Bond University in next Sunday’s grand final at Ballymore Stadium.
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Lealiifano was in no condition to even play the preliminary final judging by her early exit from the minor semi-final a week earlier with a hamstring problem that almost forced her to a walk.
“Loretta is do-or-die for Easts. She always puts her body on the line and there was no way she was going to miss this game,” Easts flyhalf Carys Dallinger said.
“Big players stand up in big games. That’s Loretta as captain.”
Easts were in charge but for Sunnybank jumping to a 21-19 lead midway through the second half.
Dallinger, who controlled territory with the boot, slotted a key penalty goal to retake the lead 22-21.
Lealiifano scored the clincher just minutes from full-time when she backed herself and surged over the top of a defender to score her second try.
Dallinger slotted the angled conversion to give the Tigers an unassailable lead.
Lealiifano's best try in the first half was finished with a strong fend.
There was also another try to young fullback Abbi Spooner, who continues to grow in confidence and impact in her first season out of juniors.
The Tigers forwards paved the way with a strong showing against a Sunnybank side with their own players willing to do anything to play. Classy halfback Ana Afuie defied a shoulder issue.
Flyhalf Renae Nona pushed for chances throughout and a long-range raid with fullback Kalisi Longopoa almost netted a first half try.
EASTS 29
Tries: Loretta Lealiifano 2, Machiko Silila, Abbi Spooner
Conversions: Carys Dallinger 3
Penalty Goal: Carys Dallinger
Def
SUNNYBANK 21
Tries: Luisa Sekona, Moega Wright, Janita Kareta
Conversions: Ana Afuie 3
