The Penrith Panthers have won the inaugural Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final in a 26-18 thriller at Leichhardt Oval.
The Panthers, coming from fifth on the competition table, came out of the blocks strongly in the Grand Final and led 12-10 at the break thanks in main part to Cheryl Varga. The centre scored the first try of the decider in the 13th minute and kicked two crucial goals to give her side a lead.
The Panthers kicked clear further in the second half with fleet-footed Jamie-Lee Davies and Ashlee Harrison both stepped their ways to the tryline to give their team a 10-point lead.
The Bulldogs, however, weren't going to be outclassed and showed they would fight 'til the death, crossing for a try to Alafou Fatu to keep the margin to six at three-quarter time.
But it was the Panthers who would seal the inaugural Tarsha Gale Cup premiership with a sensational solo try - a grubber kick and chase - to Harrison, her second.
The Bulldogs scored a late consolation try but it was too little, too late.
Congratulations to all involved in the first-ever Tarsha Gale Cup, where all competitors created Rugby League history in 2017.
