Hat-trick from Tess Staines helps book semi-final

Riverina backed up an opening win over Macquarie Wests Tigers with a 20-6 victory over Illawarra-South Coast.

The Bulls dominated the first half of the clash at Shellharbour on Sunday but had little to show for it before Staines got off the mark.

Slotting in at right centre after missing last week, Staines scored shortly after the break before extending Riverina's lead again after swooping on a Bailey Porter before racing away to score.

Coach Andrew Hinchcliffe was impressed with her impact.

"Tess had a couple of really, really good touches," Hinchcliffe said.

"Her class really came through there as she didn't get a lot of opportunities but the opportunities so got she was definitely able to impress on the game.

"She is able to find herself in the right position at the right time and capitalise."

The win ensures Riverina a return to the semi-finals, however who and where they play is yet to be determined.

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Despite not having a dedicated tackle competition, Riverina took out the inaugural Country Championships in 2019.

However they struggled to back it up last year.

After coming into the coaching role, Hinchcliffe has been thrilled with the response so far this season.

"We were really strong and I'm really pleased with how we were really patient and consistent," he said.

"It shows a lot about the group and the belief within the team.

"We defended quite well and there wasn't too many times where it looked like Illawarra were really stretching us too much."

He was particularly impressed with the side's composure after failing to put their dominance on the scoreboard in the first half.

While Staines was a standout on the edge, Hinchcliffe was impressed with how Tash Clemson adapted to a different role after moving into the second row for Staines.

"Her efforts were really high, were really good and she really added some starch to the forward pack," he said.

Lele Katoa also had another strong game.

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