Bears too strong for HNWP Sharks

After giving up two tries in the opening five minutes of the match the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Sharks have slipped to a 22-10 defeat to North Sydney in their round two clash.

The two four-pointers, both scored by Bears winger Jakiya Whitfield helped the home team to establish an early advantage and as hard as the Sharks tried in the hot and steamy conditions, they were never able to bridge the gap.

While disappointed with the start to the game, coach Ruan Sims remained positive and was complimentary of the effort of her team despite the loss.

“We can’t let teams get off to a start like that,” Sims said. “It was a tough game, hard conditions for both sides.

“We just missed the jump, missed the start, the girls did really well to get themselves back into position but in the end those two early tries were the difference. I was really proud of the girls to be able to pull it back and we know what it is we can work on before next week.”

Following the two four-pointers, in the first and fourth minutes of the match, the Sharks backs were to the wall in a game where temperatures reached the high 30’s at the Hills Grammar School fields at Kenthurst.

The Sharks responded, centre Ella Barker making it 8-4 to the Bears following an 11th minute try, before the North Sydney side was able to cross the line twice before the break in taking an 18-4 lead to half time.

Backrower Tayla Curtis scored, the try converted by Maddie Studdon gave the Sharks some hope of a comeback victory at 18-10 with still plenty of time left on the clock, however the Bears would confirm the win with a final touchdown just two minutes from fulltime.  

“They have a big strong middle pack, it’s a representative pack and we knew that’s where their strength was going to be, they just rolled us to start the game,” Sims said in summing up.

Following a week one win over the Tigers the Sharks now have a win and a loss heading into round three where they play the Roosters at PointsBet Stadium in what will be their first home game of the season.

HNWP
SHARKS 10
Tayla Curtis, Ella Barker tries, Maddie Studdon goal
lost to
BEARS 22