Playing in the hostile territory of the Rex Jackson Oval against a fired up Tigers outfit, the Harvey Norman Women's Sharks had their backs against the wall early in their round six match in Helensburgh.
The Tigers scored the opening two tries and an upset was well and truly on the cards, however the Sharks would respond, narrowing the margin then levelling up by half time, before a dominant second period saw them take control in registering a 38-12 triumph to make it four wins from four matches to sit on top of the HNWP competition ladder.
It was a test of character for the Sharks girls, with coach Tony Herman pleased with the response from his team after being put to the test early in the match.
"We were a little bit off early on. They came out firing and we probably didn't match them," Herman said. "We stayed in the game, gradually ground them down and to be 12-all at half time was a huge effort.
"Our on-line 'd' I again I thought was fantastic," he added.
The Sharks fell behind early in the game and it came as no surprise that the Tigers try scorers were Jillaroos Jess Sergis and Kenzie Apps and when both tries were converted, the Helensburgh side let 12-0 just 12 minutes into the contest.
From there however the Sharks knuckled down and fought back, two Lynda Howarth four-pointers narrowing the margin to four points and following another Cronulla try the teams went to the break locked up at 12-all.
After half time the Sharks scored twice in quick succession, and from there the floodgates opened, four more tries rounding out what looked like a resounding win but in reality was a victory the Cronulla team had to work for.
Maddie Studdon kicked just three goals from eight attempts, however while her radar was out with the boot, the Sharks half back's all around game and toughness earning her the player of the game award in what was an impressive performance.
"She's a tough footballer, one of the best in the women's comp," Herman said
"The way she put her body on the line, got targeted early, they ran all their plays at her and to stand on the line with four people charging at her, to catch the footy was unbelievable."
The Sharks now have a round seven bye, with their next match against Souths on Saturday, May 1.
Sharks 38
Lynda Howarth 2, Tiana Penitana 2, Andie Robinson, Corban
McGregor, Talei Holmes, Kaarla Cowan tries, Maddie Studdon 3 goals
beat
Helensburg Tigers 12
Jessica Sergis, Kezie Apps tries, Rachael Pearson 2 goals
