Sharks women downed in defensive struggle

The Harvey Norman Women’s Sharks have gone down to the Newcastle Knights in a tough defensive struggle in their round seven clash.

It took the Sharks women 63 minutes to post their first points, but it wouldn’t be enough, the Newcastle side prevailing 16-6 as the Cronulla team slipped to third place on the competition ladder as a result of the loss.

Sharks team regular Kiana Takairangi didn’t take the field in Newcastle but as an interested observer expressed disappointment her team couldn’t manage a win against the strong Knights outfit.

“It could have gone either way, unfortunately it’s gone their way today,”Takairangi said. “It’s a little bit disappointing, but Newcastle are a very good team, with some big bodies in the middle especially

“They weren’t that much better than us but we didn’t make the most of our opportunities.”

The Knights scored two first half tries to lead 10-0 at the break, before another try midway through the second period pushed their advantage out to 16.

The Sharks responded late, hooker Quincy Dodd crossing, the try converted by Maddie Studdon, but time would run out on a Cronulla comeback.

Missing Takairangi and Corban Baxter amongst others, the Sharks will look to bounce back against another difficult opponent when they tackle the North Sydney Bears next weekend. That match is scheduled for a 3pm kick off at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday.

HNWP SHARKS 6
Quincy Dodd try, Maddie Studdon goal
lost to
KNIGHTS 16