In a tough contest between eighth and ninth, the Parramatta Eels came out the victors at Ocean Protect Stadium and destroyed the last glimpse Cronulla had of a finals campaign.
Though Ella Ropata’s kicking game was a huge asset for the Sharks’ performance, the visitors had too much energy and agility for the black, white and blue to contain, seeing them held to nil in the second half.
Marnie Isemonger’s try was the only one of the afternoon, which was from a Ropata kick, however, no more points came for the home side after the 34th minute, a tough way to end their last home game of the season.
From the first whistle, both sides showed promising signs of attack and defence. The Sharks and Eels were both given early opportunities, however neither could capitalise and turned over possession. having an early opportunity following kick errors.
Completing five from five sets early on, and forcing two errors from kicks, it was clear that Ella Ropata's boot was going to be vital to the hosts’ performance this afternoon.
The heat brought on some early fatigue for Cronulla which Parramatta took advantage of. Striking first was Rueben Cherrington, stepping through three defenders to cross to the right of the posts. Converting her own four pointer, the blue and gold led 6-0 after 13 minutes.
Pressure began to mount as a line break from the number five, Freedom Crichton Ropati gave the Eels strong field position, and allowed Zyon Ligaliga receive a cut-out ball, sprinting to the left corner untouched.
Finally getting their first four-pointer, a Ropata grubber rebounded off the opposition and Marnie Isemonger was in a perfect position to clean it up and slam the ball over the line in the final minute of the first half. Ropata could not add the extras.
Entering the break, the hosts only trialled by a converted try, a testament to their perseverance in defence that shut down the visitors’ key playmakers over and over.
Running out for the second 35, with a pep in their step, Cronulla were quickly shut down as Parramatta continued to ensure momentum stayed in their favour.
Two tries inside five minutes quickly took the tally up by 18 points. The first to Crichton Ropati from a simple play on the wing, and the next right in the centre to Aaliyah Soufan. Tess McWilliams slotted both, her side now leading 22-4.
For the home team, the final siren couldn’t come sooner as calls continued to go against their favour, and the number five soon slid over for her second, off the back of a perfect pass.
There were some glimpses of spark from the Sharks in the back end of the match, though they were kept scoreless after the break, and the cherry on top was when Ella Carlisle chased through and grounded a grubber 20 meters in.
After bringing the game within six, it wasn’t long before the Eels clicked into gear and piled on 20 points within 22 minutes, with the final scoreline being a thumping 30-4 victory in favour of the blue and gold.
Cronulla take on the Penrith Panthers next week.
