Northern survives late raids by Palmerston
THE Northern Sharks survived a closing-minute charge to see off Palmerston Raiders 16-14 in round 11 of the NRL NT Women’s competition.
The Raiders made the first impression with their big runners getting their legs pumping early to batter the defence.
And it was ever-dangerous Ciara Aigea who broke through for the opening try, taking defenders with her on her way over the line.
The Sharks were quick to return the favour, running elusive lines through the Palmerston defence until captain Deanna Peckham scored on the right wing. Peckham made sure her side didn’t slow down following the try and caught her Palmerston rivals on the back foot, darting through a defensive gap.
Soon after Tokeru Munro crossed the line ball in hand to put the Sharks ahead.
It was then their turn on the defence and against the bigger bodies of their Palmerston rivals they were forced to do it in numbers.
Ashley Stott controlled the game with her kicking game while her big runners gained ground with every carry.
And up close there was no stopping Aigea who powered through for her second try of the day, levelling the scores at halftime.
The scoring back and forth slowed down in the second half with both sides getting their turn with ball in hand.
The Sharks broke the deadlock as Grace Bailey tumbled over the tryline, and it wasn’t long until she put another four-pointer on the board.
Palmerston was down, but a converted try from Aigea had it right back in the game but the clock was against it.
Sharks coach Anthony Castro was pleased with his side’s showing across the park.
“This was a relieving win … we’re starting to play a bit of a structure in offence,” he said.