The Cronulla Sharks Women’s Series side have gone down to the Newcastle Knights 16-12 at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
Following a nail-biting victory from the NRL side, the Women were buoyed and keen to play well.
The Sharks side would open the scoring with star-player Shontelle Stowers crossing the line after a run away through midfield. Maddison Studdon added the extras and the score was 6-0.
With ball in hand, the visiting side looked to attack the line through Simone Smith however some big defence from the Sharks saw the Knights pushed back and the Sharks back in possession.
The Knights would continue to pepper the Sharks line, edging closer and closer each set of play with both Kylie Hilder and Amy Broadhead coming within inches of the scoring for the Novocastrians.
It would be Hilder who would eventually break the Sharks line, scooting from dummy half to cross on the far right of the field. The conversion was good and the Knights were equal 6-6.
Right before the half time break, the Sharks would look to score once again as Corbin McGregor broke through midfield only to be brought down before the line. The score would remain at 6-all at the break.
Fresh from the break, the Knights crossed the line within seconds, taking the lead for the first time in the match to go ahead 10-6. The conversion was unsuccessful.
Not to be outdone, the Sharks would bounce back through Bottelle Vetty-Welsh, who would cross over on the right edge. Studdon converted the try and we were ahead 12-10.
However, the Knights did not give up the fight at Southern Cross Group Stadium crossing over right before the bell. The conversion was good and the Knights were victorious 16-12.