DMP Sharks ….17 Bristol Bears .10
DMP SHARKS secured an important home win over Bristol Bears after a closely fought game at the Northern Echo Arena.
Justin Loveridge's side had trailed 5-0 at the break, before tries from Lisa Thomson and Evie Tonkin clinched a nerve-wracking win for the hosts.
A nervy first half saw both sides struggle to get a foothold in the game. The visitors came close to scoring twice in the opening quarter, but the Sharks defence held firm.
The home side's resistance was broken on 22 minutes when Ellie Mulhearn crossed for the visitors. Lucy Attwood's conversion was off target.
The game sprung to life in the second half, with both sides having chances to win it. Replacement Beth Blacklock got the hosts on the board with a penalty on the hour mark.
Kiera Bevan then crossed for the visitors to extend their lead to seven. The Sharks responded when centre Lisa Thomson crossed as Blacklock's conversion levelling the scores.
The decisive score then came four minutes from full time, when full-back Evie Tonkin crossed for the game winning try. Blacklock converted once more, giving the Sharks a vital home victory.
