Northern Sharks women show their defensive abilities in win over Nightcliff Dragons

NORTHERN Sharks proved they’re here to stay, showing defensive mettle in an 18-8 win over Nightcliff Dragons in round 5 of the NRL NT Women’s Premiership

Northern Sharks’ Lauren Linton on the run in her side’s win over Nightcliff. Picture:Glenn Campbell

NORTHERN Sharks proved they’re here to stay, showing defensive mettle in an 18-8 win over Nightcliff Dragons in round 5 of the NRL NT Women’s Premiership.

Nightcliff came out the more powerful side with the likes of Vanessa Lee Cheu running the ball up the middle gaining plenty of ground.

But dropped balls and a steadfast Sharks defence regularly held the Dragons at bay.

Eventually, Sharks got their own hands on the ball after a period of sustained pressure with five-eighth Crystal Browne finding a gap and running in a length-of-the-field try.

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Debutant Lauren Linton was the next to score for Sharks, tapping the ball down on the left wing once more against the run of play.

But even though Sharks had much less possession they were in control of the game on the scoreboard. After a confidence-boosting half, Sharks went on the offensive early in the second half, with Ayesha Kay darting through the Dragons’ defence.

Nightcliff was eager to not go home empty-handed after so much effort and the team eventually had a try through Rhiannon Fecht.

The Dragons got another at the death through Lee Cheu as a reward for her ball-carrying efforts.

But with another decisive try from Browne and little time left on the clock it was too little too late for the Dragons.

The win comes as the Sharks women side’s third of the season – a result it will be immensely proud of after being unable to field a team in the 2020 season.

Coach Richard Hill was proud of how his side collectively applied itself in attack and defence, noting his players were surpassing all expectations following the missed season. “Defence won the game. I couldn’t be prouder of the ladies and how they defended but we know there’s still a lot to work on,” Hill said.

“The feeling is pretty good at the moment considering we weren’t able to put a team in last year.

“Many have written us off suggesting we wouldn’t get many wins this season but that was our third of the season so I’m pretty happy with how the ladies are going.

“The focus is trying to get a team out on the park each week as I haven’t had the same team each week but hopefully we keep building from here.”

Meanwhile, Darwin Sistaz kept their unbeaten run alive with a 26-14 win over Litchfield Bears.