SWANS’ SECOND-HALF SURGE SECURES CRL WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP

Sydenham Swans buried the disappointment of back-to-back grand final heartbreakers in 2022-23 to claim the CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership with a high-quality 20-12 victory over Hornby Panthers in the decider at Ngā Puna Wai.

After a tense, low-scoring opening half, the Swans – led by brilliant halfback Kyla Lynch-Brown – scored three unanswered tries after the break.

The first half was characterised by expansive attack, outstanding cover defence and a couple of pieces of individual class from rivals halves to create a 6-all scoreline at the change of ends.

Hornby halfback Kyra-Lee Westland muscled over for the 18th-minute opener, but Sydenham Swans five-eighth Caitlin Sears responded with a try under the posts before the break.

The Swans took control early in the second stanza. Lynch-Brown produced a dazzling solo effort, before winger Salome Naikau scorched over out wide for a 16-6 scoreline.

The Panthers’ spirited attempts to close the gap came up short and player of the match Lynch-Brown put her stamp on the decider once again with a determined individual try from close range with 10 minutes remaining.

Perhaps spurred by the near misses of the past two seasons, the Swans’ defence lifted a gear in the closing stages to shut the Panthers out of the contest.

But the brave Hornby outfit had the last say through Westland, who broke through and sprinted 70 metres to score on the last play of the game.

Fulltime celebrations belonged to the Swans, though, after breaking through for their first title since 2021.

2024 CRL BARTERCARD WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL

Sydenham Swans 20 (Kyla Lynch-Brown 2, Caitlin Sears, Salome Naikau tries; Sears, Kaylee Tavendale goals) defeated Hornby Panthers 12 (Kyra-Lee Westland 2 tries; Westland 2 goals) at Ngā Puna Wai.