They Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks have taken out the Sydney Metropolitan Womens Rugby League premiership, thanks to a Mia Wood matchwinner at Leichhardt Oval. The Grand Final will go down as a superb advertisement for womens Rugby League in a year that has already seen it's unprecedented growth.
A dropped ball by the Tigers had the Sharks on the attack early, before an attempted intercept from Inangaro Maraeara almost brought the Greenacre side the first points.
It took six minutes for Greenacre to get out of their own half, with two penalties and some bruising Cronulla-Caringbah defence helping to build pressure nicely. The Tigers' defence held strong, however, and they soon had their own extended period in dangerous territory.
In the 23rd minute, the deadlock was finally broken thanks to a crafty play from Greenacre's Cobie-Jane Morgan - with the conversion waved away it was 4-0 in favour of the Tigers.
The Sharks were momentarily on the back foot, but when they got another opportunity to post points they made no mistake. With the representative contingent clicking into gear, it would be Sammy Bremner to get her side on the board after a slick inside ball from Allana Ferguson. The conversion attempt from Maddie Studdon hit the upright and scores remained level.
Minutes later, it would be Ferguson herself to get her side in front, showing the footwork and trademark show-and-go that has earned her NSW and Jillaroos caps. With Studdon converting the try they held a six-point advantage over their opposition.
The Tigers weren't done with yet, however, and on the stroke of half-time it would be Page McGregor to score. The prop showed her strength to break through the Sharks' defence, with the conversion Chloe Leaupepe sending both teams into the break locked up at 10-10.
