In an impressive first hit out for the 2017 season the Sharks Women’s team have scored a convincing 28-10 win over the Raiders.
Playing in Canberra the Sharks girls crossed for six tries in the victory.
The Sharks started strongly when centre Shontelle Stowers sliced through the opposition defense and despite the conversion being waved away the Cronulla side had an early 4-0 lead.
Maddie Studdon was involved in the second four-pointer when she pounced on a loose ball and put winger Botille Vette_Welsh away to make it 8-0 Sharks.
The Raiders would capitalise on a Sharks error and some good field position to score next and narrow the margin to just two points, before Studdon was in the action once again, this time kicking for Jordan Baker, with the winger safe with her hands and planting the ball down wide out.
The kick at goal from near touch was wide of the mark but the Sharks would take a 12-8 lead into the break.
The Sharks kicked deep to start the second period and when allowed to bounce by the Raiders the ball went dead in goal, gifting the Sharks possession from the ensuing drop out.
That was all the encouragement the Sharks needed Stowers scoring her second, converted by Nita Maynard and it was 18-8 to the Cronulla girls just a minute into the half.
Corban McGregor added ot the Sharks lead with a long range solo effort shortly after to extend the lead to 22-8, then it was Maynard breaking the line and providing the final pass for Vette-Welsh to go over for her second.
Studdon added the extras to round out the scoring for the Sharks, with the Raiders notching a late consolation try to make the final score 28-10.
The Sharks had plenty of strong performers, with Stowers and Lalovi Lealaiauloto impressive out wide and Studdon controlling proceedings cleverly around the rucks.
The game was played over two 12 minute halves with nine players per side.
The Sharks women now return home to play the St George Illawarra Dragons next week in a local derby which will take place prior to the Sharks v Dragons NRL clash.
Women’s match
SHARKS 28
Stowers 2, Botille Vette-Welsh 2, Baker, McGregor tries, Studdon, Maynard goals
Beat
Canberra 10
