The Harvey Norman Women's Premiership Sharks have qualified for the competition Finals with a thrilling 11-10 victory over the Central Coast Roosters.
Needing a win to ensure a spot in the four-team playoffs, or a draw with other results falling their way, a Maddie Studdon field goal with two minutes left of the clock has propelled the Sharks into the Finals series and a clash with the second-placed Mounties side.
The Sharks finished third on the HNWP ladder following five wins and three losses from their eight matches played.
In torrential rain at PointsBet Stadium the Sharks conceded the first try to fall behind early, before a Teagan Berry four-pointer and Studdon conversion saw the home team lead 6-4 at the break.
The second period saw their opponents go back in front, the Sharks level the scores, before the field goal iced the result, with assistant coach Ryan Cross impressed by the composure and resilience shown by the Cronulla team.
"It was a great result. Both sides knew whoever won was going to go through and lucky enough we got through. But it was a really tough game," Cross said.
"The conditions were diabolical, the rain didn't stop, but they toughed it out really well, especially that last 10 minutes when we got to that point where we kicked the field goal and it was a good victory."
Coming out for the second half with the rain showing no signs of abating, it was the Central Coast scoring in the 45th minute to take a 10-6 lead, before a second Berry try five minutes later that levelled the scores, leaving the two teams with 20 minutes to play for their seasons.
"The defense really hung tough, to be leading at half time was a big bonus, it was back and fourth that second half. They really wanted to get through to the semis, you could see that in the last 10 when they really fought hard," Cross added.
The Sharks win has set up a sudden death finals match up against Mounties, with that game to to be played at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium next Saturday.
The other semi final sees the minor premier North Sydney Bears take on the Wests Tigers.
Times for the two finals games have yet to be determined.
SHARKS 11
Teagan Berry 2 tries, Maddie Studdon goal and field goal
beat
CENTRAL COAST ROOSTERS 10
Photos courtesy Steve Montgomery - ourfootyteam.com
* Note - game scores and final ladder on NSWRL website are incorrect
