Successful day out for Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale teams

Both teams played tough footy after the restart, however the half-time siren was approaching fast. Cronulla were able to capitalise as centre Sophia Brightwell scored in the corner in the 27th minute – conversion unsuccessful – taking the Sharks' lead to 10-0 heading into the break.

In the 36th minute the Roosters struck back with a try in the corner to winger Coco Butcher, followed by an unsuccessful conversion, taking the score to 10-4. 

The Roosters were determined to get back into the match, securing their second try in the 43rd minute with a break down the wing by Ayva Papalii and flawless inside ball to five-eighth Mia Vaotuua, who went over beside the corner post.

Continuing their strong second-half performance, a try to front-rower Kewa Kahuroa put the Roosters ahead 12-10 after 48 minutes.

However, Cronulla showed their passion and snatched back the lead in the final three minutes with a decisive four-pointer from prop Manawanui James. The two-point margin that ultimately separated the teams underlined the gutsy nature of the contest.

Similar to the Lisa Fiaola girls, Cronulla’s Tarsha Gale side had to fight through adversity to grab two competition points against the Roosters Indigenous Academy.

Cronulla were firing to begin the game, with second-rower Tegan Jenkins powering over in the fifth minute and lock Marnie Isemonger converting for a 6-0 lead. The Roosters hit back in the 11th minute with Fa'agase Tupuola-Palale crossing on the wing, however they were unable to add the extras.

Winger Manisha Seebeck claimed the Roosters' second in the 21st minute, putting the visitors in front 8-6. Stretching their lead, Tupuola-Palale notched up her double in the 26th minute, though with another unsuccessful conversion the score remained 12-6.

Continuing to shred Cronulla's defensive line, the Roosters struck again in the final minute of the first half. A try to interchange player Zoe Lee, converted by fullback Logan Fletcher, sent the Roosters into the sheds with a healthy 18-6 buffer.

After continually solid defence from the Roosters, Cronulla exploited a spot of fatigue in the 36th minute. Interchange forward Genevieve Mafi surged through the defence, with Brooklyn Allan Kingi kicking the goal. The game was then in reach for the Sharks with a converted try the difference.

With Cronulla not backing down, Sharks centre Lacie Bowling had a free run to the line in the 42nd minute after a sublime string of passes. They trailed by two after an unsuccessful conversion.

Coming into the back end of the game, a super attacking set from the Sharks gave centre Milla Caine a prime scoring opportunity in the 48th minute. She took full advantage to regain the lead for Cronulla, and with Isemonger on target from the tee, the score was now 22-18 in favour of the home side.

Dominant defence kept the Roosters scoreless in the second half while Cronulla repeatedly rolled into enemy territory. Three minutes from fulltime, fullback Chynna Hardy barged her way over to put the result beyond doubt and complete an outstanding comeback.

The junior Sharks girls teams will travel to Cessnock to play the Knights in Round 8 matches next Saturday.