National Championships Day 2 Wrap: NSW Country, Northern Territory the big winners

First Nations Gems opened day two with a narrow 4-0 victory over the Australian Defence Force.

Both sides tussled for the opening 11 minutes before captain Tawana Togo crossed on the edge to give the Gems the lead.

The ADF had chances to level but the Gems defence held firm.

First Nations Gems v Western Australia

The Gems and Western Australia played out a draw in the 2021 grand final rematch at Pizzey Park.

Defending champions WA had most of the running for the contest but the Gems' defence was outstanding, particularly in the final minutes of the game.

The Gems will return on day three for a clash against NSW Country.

NSW Country v Western Australia

A double to Jessica Gentle saw NSW Country beat Western Australia in match three. 

Gentle, who is the leading try-scorer in the open's tournament, showed her blistering pace on the right edge to score twice as NSW Country gave WA their first defeat of the tournament. 

Fellow centre Caitlin Shoulders also got over the line to seal the win.

NSW Country v Victoria

NSW Country made it three from three with a 10-4 victory over Victoria.

An early try to Jessica Gentle got the Country side on the board before Victoria hit back through Georgina Moana in the eighth minute.

The match appeared to headed for a draw before NSW Country capitalised on a Victoria error late to go over through Shannon Rose to snatch the win. 

Northern Territory v Victoria

Northern Territory have won their first game of the tournament with a 12-0 victory over Victoria. 

Converted tries to Calista Boyd and Rease Casey set up a 12-point advantage and the Victorian side had little answers in return after winning both games on Thursday.

Queensland Sapphires v Victoria

The Sapphires held off a spirited Victoria outfit to win 18-4 to start the 19s draw on Day 2. 

The Victorians were the underdogs in the match but came out firing to hold the Queenslanders to 10 points for most of the contest. 

However, late tries to Alenna Whipp and Nekina Dingley, her second of the match, ensured the defending champions start the tournament with two wins. 

NSW City v Western Australia

NSW City kept their strong form in the tournament going by beating Western Australia 22-6.

The City side crossed for five tries to score 22 unanswered points before WA got on the board through Shiane Kani.

NSW City will take on the Queensland Sapphires on Friday while WA will play Victoria.

Queensland Rubys v Northern Territory

The Rubys held off an impressive Northern Territory outfit to win 22-12 in the penultimate game of the day. 

Both sides traded two tries each in the opening half before the Rubys ran away with the game in the second term with a double to Ellie Williamson.

The Rubys will take on NSW Country on Friday while Northern Territory will clash with South Australia in the final regular round before the finals.

NSW Country v South Australia

NSW Country recorded a 46-0 win over South Australia to to finish day two of the tournament.

After a rusty performance despite a win on Thursday, the NSW Country side were at their ruthless best to run in 10 tries against a gallant South Australian outfit.

A double to Annabel McDonald started the onslaught before Jada Taylor also got over the line twice to cap the result.

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