Lewis guides Marsden to National Schoolgirls Cup glory

Emerging playmaker Lili Lewis has guided Marsden State High School to their first National Schoolgirls Cup crown.

The halfback orchestrated her side’s attack as the Queenslanders ran in five tries to one to defeat Central Coast Sports College 22-4 at Leichhardt Oval.

Lewis sat out the first half of the season with stress fractures in her back and wasn’t sure if she’d even make it back on the field at all this year.

Her return triggered a dominant run for Marsen State High School, with the side rolling through the Queensland finals before Thursday’s victory over Central Coast.

“I had back pain last year and only got back in Round 5 of the schoolgirls season,” Lewis said. “I just rehabbed hard and was excited just to get back into training. I wanted to come back here and dominate.

“Winning this title was our goal after we got knocked out in the Queensland final last year. This was our one goal and I’m so happy for the girls, I feel honoured to put on this jersey.”

Central Coast burst out of the gates on Thursday afternoon and largely controlled the opening 10 minutes of the contest.

Marsden held firm, before flexing their muscle to gain the upper hand and take control of the match.

Lewis sliced through for the opening try of the game, with Namoe Gesa crossing soon after to make it 8-0 at the break.

A try shortly after half-time stretched the lead beyond two converted tries and had Marsden well on their way to victory.

Central Coast hit back to pull within 10, but the visitors regained control and closed out the contest with two late tries.

The win continued Queensland’s dominance of the National Schoolgirls Cup, with the trophy being held north of the border since its inception in 2023.

“We knew it was going to be a physical battle,” Marsden coach Shane Hammond said. “Central Coast had the better of us in the first 10 minutes.

“It was a matter of sticking to our plan and working hard. Our middles and our defensive effort are what we’re based on. When we do that, we control the game and our outside backs have some fun.”