The Tarsha Gale Sharks put a difficult week for women's rugby league in the Sutherland Shire well and truly behind them in scoring a 46-16 win over the Wests Tigers.
Playing a team sitting equal in first place in the Tarsha Gale Cup ladder, the Sharks girls were simply too good for their opponents in crossing for nine tries in the 30-point win.
After the Club was denied entry into the NRL Women's Premiership earlier in the week it was always going to be an emotional occasion for the Cronulla girls, especially following a pre-game rev-up from CEO Barry Russell, who told the Sharks the best thing they could do was to play well, to notch another win and to remain on top of the competition ladder.
And the Sharks didn't disappoint, with coach Colin Dodd pleased with what his team was able to produce in the warm conditions at the Sharks Academy Field at Cronulla High School.
"They’re up there with us leading the competition, 14 points, so each week is about learning, watching what other teams are going to throw at us and I think the girls went out today and executed pretty well," Dodd said.
Using their superior speed out wide the Sharks raced out to a 22-6 half time lead, with Sariah Paki crossing twice, Faith Nathan proving a handful with her clever footwork and Quincy Dodd pushing the team around with her clever work at half back, with Temuskisa Ioane racing away for a long range try just before the break.
The Tigers mounted somewhat of a comeback with two tries in quick succession, however the Sharks would go on with the job, Dodd scoring the final four pointer before converting to give her a personal tally of 14 points on the day.
The performance was typical of what the Sharks have delivered through the previous eight rounds of the season.
"We’ve got a lot of belief in the side and the support base around us has really helped," Dodd said. "They’re all pretty multi skilled across the field, they way they play together, support each other, really helps the team."
After having accounted for one of the joint competition leaders, the Tarsha Sharks now move onto what will be another test of their title credentials when they face the Illawarra Steelers in their final game of the regular season.
Virtually assured of finishing either first or second, Dodd was keen to get a glimpse of the Illawarra side before the finals kicked off.
"Couple of little injuries, but hopefully we’ll be right for next week," he said.
"Our test will come next week against Illawarra, but to finish first or second, we’re in that top four. We’ll go out and keep doing what we’ve been doing and hopefully get that win to get the minor premiership."
The Sharks play the Steelers in the final round at WIN Stadium in Wollongong next Saturday.
SHARKS 46
Sarah Paki 3, Faith Nathan 2, Jaida White 2, Quincy Dodd, Temukisa Ioane tries, Dodd 5 goals
beat
TIGERS 16
