Young Talent Lailani Montgomery Scores Last-Minute Penalty to Ensure Victory for Indigenous All Stars Amidst Injury Struggles for Both Teams

The All Stars match is always a tense affair for club coaches, who are hoping their players can come through unscathed. This was certainly the case on Saturday when the Indigenous side clinched victory in the dying moments of the women’s match.

In a dramatic first half, Bulldogs recruit Ash Quinlan and Cowboys halfback Kirra Dibb were both forced to leave the field due to injuries, following two incidents that occurred within moments of each other.

Quinlan was caught by a teammate, Jasmin Strange, during a tackle and left the field with a towel covering her face.

Dibb followed shortly after, with her knee getting twisted in a tackle.

“This is a really, really awkward situation for Kirra Dibb,” remarked Ruan Sims during Nine’s broadcast.

Later, Dibb was seen in a moon boot and on crutches, raising concerns among her Cowboys teammates and coaching staff. Fortunately for the Maori All-Stars, Quinlan was able to return to the pitch.

The injury woes continued for the Indigenous All-Stars, as back Bobbi Law exited the field after suffering a hip drop tackle in the second half, resulting in Tiana Raftstrand-Smith receiving a sin-binning.

The match kicked off with the Indigenous team racing to a 10-0 lead, courtesy of tries from Monique Donovan and Jaime Chapman.

The Maori All-Stars answered back, with Chanté Temara claiming the first try in the 18th minute, followed by Laikha Clarke and Lilly-Ann White crossing the line as well. At the half-time break, the Maori team held an 18-12 advantage.

Shortly after the resumption, Ella Koster scored for the Indigenous women, but Lailani Montgomery’s penalty goal in the 53rd minute levelled the scores at 18-18.

The tension escalated as the game approached its conclusion, with young talent Montgomery attempting a field goal in the dying seconds.

Her effort was initially ruled as a knock-on by the referee, but the Indigenous team challenged the decision. Upon review, it was revealed that Quinlan had made contact with Montgomery’s foot during her field goal attempt, resulting in a penalty right in front of the posts.

Montgomery then successfully converted the penalty, securing a thrilling 20-18 victory.

“An incredible contest,” exclaimed caller Brenton Speed during Nine’s coverage.