The Sharks Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team have gone down to minor premiers Mounties in a result that while disappointing will give them a level of confidence for the weeks ahead.
The Sharks were beaten 20-14 by a battle-hardened Mounties side, one which claimed the NSWRL Women’s Premiership in 2018 and qualified in the top spot for this year’s Final Series, but held a half time lead and were well and truly in the game up until the full time whistle.
An early Mounties try was a set back however the Sharks responded strongly, centre Kiana Takairangi scoring twice, with Jane Etherden crossing for her teams third and at 14-6 to the Cronulla girls at half time an upset was on the cards.
Unfortunately the first 10 minutes after the break didn't go the way of the Sharks, Mounties grabbing two tries in quick succession and with one of the four pointers converted, held a 16-14 advantage with till more than 15 minutes of the match remaining.
The Sharks hung in and had their chances but the experience of the Mounties side proved crucial, a late try closing out the game and resigning the Cronulla team to a sudden-death match up against St Mary’s next weekend.
The game was one of four Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership finals matches played at Campbelltown Stadium yesterday.
In other results the Wests Tigers 28 beat Wentworthville 12 and St Marys 32 were too good for Cabramatta 6 in the elimination matches, while CRL Newcastle beat the North Sydney Bears 22-12 to earn a week off alongside Mounties.
The Sharks will communicate a venue and game time for nest weekends finals match once they are confirmed.
SHARKS 14
Kiana Takairangi 2, Jane Etherden tries, Corban MCGregor goal
Lost to
MOUNTIES 20
