NRLW Sharks beaten by the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs put on a show in their final home game of the season in proving too strong for a battling Cronulla squad.
Former Shark and current Bulldogs halfback Tayla Preston led the way against her ex-teammates, scoring a second half try in their dominant 24-14 win.
A powerful run up field from centre Tiana Penitani-Gray offered a glimpse of proper Sharks footy for the night, giving the crowd an indication of what they hoped would follow in the remainder of the match.
However, following an error from Cronulla, their opponents were first to score, Canterbury winger Simina Lokotui swept the ball up cleanly and surged 40 metres untouched to slide under the posts. With just over 15 minutes left to play in the opening half and following the Preston conversion the Bulldogs led 6-0.
The Sharks weren't phased and bouncing back after receiving a penalty, marching their way to the line with prop Ellie Johnson snatching the four-pointer. Hooker Georgia Hannaway could not convert.
Bulldogs co-Captain Preston furthered the home side's lead to 8-4 with a penalty goal minutes before the half time break.
Canterbury hadn't lost their spark returning from half-time when winger Elizabeth MacGregor went across in the eastern corner. In their next set, a forced error put the Sharks on the back foot again and a short ball to second rower Shannon Muru saw her slide over untouched. The home side now held an 18-4 advantage.
Cronulla fullback Jada Taylor showed the crowd her spark, using her speed and strength to bust multiple tackles in placing her side on the front foot again.
Once again, Taylor lifted the squad when they needed it most, throwing a dummy pass and taking on her opposing number to bring the away side back into the match with their second try of the evening. Halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu was unable to slot the kick from wide out.
Preston put an end to any potential Sharks comeback when she saw space and slammed the ball over the line in the 53rd minute in scoring from close range. Proving perfect off the boot, the Bulldogs half stretched her side’s lead to 16 points.
With little time remaining, Kiria-Ratu found herself breaking the defensive line, passing to her hooker Hannaway who crossed left of the uprights. The Sharks hooker was successful with the conversion, but it would be the Bulldogs to grab the two points for what was their third win of the season.
