National Championships 2024: Live blog Day 2

NSW City remain undefeated after overcoming Western Australia in the first match of Day 2. After a tight opening to the match, City scored a flurry of late tries to push the score out to 22-4, with Sharni Waters and Katrina Phippen picking up their second try each of the tournament. Western Australia captain Kailey Thompson got her side on the board early in the second half, but they weren't able to turn around the momentum, with City proving too strong. 

Ahi Ka Aotearoa v Northern Territory

Ahi Ka Aotearoa posted their first win of the tournament, coming out on top 8-6 in a tight and entertaining match against Northern Territory. Evenly matched for most of the game, the side from New Zealand were trailing 4-6 at the break, but a try in the second half Manea Waaka proved to be the difference in the end, after the NT had stolen the lead in the first half with Elisa Niki getting her second try of the tournament. 

Queensland Sapphires v Victoria

Queensland Sapphires continued their dominant form on Day Two, posting a 40-0 win over Victoria. Centre Relna Hosea crossed for a double, while Kayla Shepherd kicked four conversions to add to her second-half try. The Sapphires just had too much class and experience for Victoria who had done well to hold them to 10-0 at the half-time break. 

Fiji v First Nations Gems 

First Nations Gems withstood an almighty scare from Fiji in one of the games of the tournament so far. Both sides played some end-to-end football, but the first half tries to NRL Las Vegas Combine winner Marcaya Bailous and Tanika Newton proved just enough to get the side their second win. However, the crowd were lit up when Vitorina Veikoso took an intercept and ran the length of the field to score Fiji's first points of the tournament, despite a great chase from Bailous. 

NSW Country v Australian Defence Force Rugby League 

NSW Country proved too strong for Australian Defence Force Rugby League, running out 14-0 winners. In a taxing and physical match, points were hard to come by, with a double from NSW Country winger Caitlin Turnbull proving vital to the result. NSW Country remain undefeated and will take on South Australia tomorrow, while ADF face off against Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea v South Australia 

Papua New Guinea claimed their first ever Women's National Championships win with a dominant 44-0 performance against South Australia. PNG had too much experience and speed and posted their first try in the opening minute and continued to press for points throughout the game. As ever, SA tried hard, but cruelled their chances with errors whenever they started to build any pressure. Papua New Guinea will face ADF tomorrow, while South Australia take on NSW Country. 

The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships is proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast.