The Central Coast Roosters have held on to claim the NSW Women's Premiership title with a 16-10 victory over the North Sydney Bears at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday.
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The Roosters led by 10 twice but the Bears replied and kept within striking distance for much of the 2020 decider.
Many of the winning squad also clinched the state title with CRL Newcastle last year.
Central Coast five-eighth and NSW training squad member Bobbi Law opened the scoring eight minutes in. Law, a Port Stephens product who now lives at Shortland, crashed over under the posts after two previous breaks in midfield.
Roosters winger Claire Reed crossed for a first-half double on the right edge either side of a try to Bears star Shontelle Stowers. Central Coast led 14-4 at the main break.
The Bears wrestled momentum early in the second half and reduced the margin to four points in the 39th minute with a converted try to Moniqca Mo'ale.
Rugby sevens convert and NRLW representative Yasmin Meakes, playing centre for the Roosters, produced a ball-and-all tackle over the sideline to save a try just before the three-quarter pause.
Reed went down injured with 13 minutes remaining. She was replaced by Olivia Higgins.
Central Coast were held up over the line twice in the same set with three minutes left on the clock.
Howard slotted a penalty goal attempt from 22 metres out to make it 16-10.
Roosters halfback Mel Howard was a strong performer. Meakes, fullback Isabelle Kelly, lock Hannah Southwell and dummy-half Kylie Hilder were also heavily involved.
Meaks was named player of the final. NSW and Australian representative Southwell received this season's best and fairest award.
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