Tarsha Gale Fall Short In Tight Battle

The Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy took on the Cronulla Sharks in a tight game (12-14) in Round six of the Tarsha Gale Cup on Saturday morning at Points Bet Stadium.

It was quite literally a windy start for both teams, both trying to focus and find their ground in the uncomfortable weather conditions. 

Six points down with only seconds to go in the first half, Roosters centre Maddie Binding took off on a run on her own down from the 40-metre line and scored the visitors’ first try, equalising the score (6-6). 

After a rather slow start, the Sharks were the first to take control of the game, putting on the pressure.

The Roosters defence fought hard, however, the home team didn’t make it easy for them, scoring the opening try of the match within the first 15 minutes (6-0).

The visitors only seemed to lose their confidence for a short time before firing back and playing their game, supported by cheering by family and friends.

There were a few missed opportunities for both teams throughout the first half, but the brilliant comeback of the Roosters from 0-6 definitely stood out.

As the second half began, the weather conditions were still not ideal with a strong wind and the Sharks trying to dominate in order to regain their advantage. 

Despite some strong defence from the visitors with tackles just meters from the try line, the Sharks scored a try, missing the conversion, and putting them back into the lead (10-6).

After another unanswered try from the home team, the visitors responded with a constellation try by hooker Jessica Deakin and the conversion by second-rower Jada Karam (14-12). 

Tries: Maddie Binding, Jessica Deakin

Conversion: Jada Karam 2/2