It was a case of lost opportunities as the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Sharks have battled back from 10-0 down at half time to almost snatch victory from the CRL Newcastle in the Grand Final qualifying match on Saturday.
The Sharks narrowed the margin to just four points with seven minutes remaining but couldn’t deliver the winning blow, going down by 16-12 to fall one short of the competition decider.
Two tries in the first half saw Newcastle go to the break up by 10-0 however showing their class and determination the Sharks responded, a try to youngster Jaime Chapman, converted by Maddie Studden narrowing the margin to just four with plenty of time left on the clock.
Newcastle would push their advantage out to 10 with a converted try in making the score 16-6 but the Sharks weren’t down with yet, hooker Karla Cowan touching down, Studdon adding the extras and it was game on at 16-12.
However as hard as they tried the Sharks fell agonisingly short as the Newcastle side held on to progress to a Grand Final showdown against Mounties next weekend.
The year however could be classed as a successful one for coach Glenn Brailey and his young Sharks side, with five member of this year’s under-18 Tarsha Gale team playing in the sudden-death finals match and set to be better for the experience next year.
A number of the Sharks team will now move on to play in the NRL Women’s competition for one of the four franchise teams.
SHARKS 12
Jaime Chapman, Karla Cowan tries, Maddie Studdon 2 goals
lost to
CRP Newcastle 16
