The Lady Panthers side is through to the Cook Islands Rugby League women’s competition final after beating Lady Eels 14-8 in an exciting and close semi-final at Victoria Park yesterday.

The Panthers will face minor premiership winner Lady Bears in next week’s finale.

Lady Panthers manager Harriet Tuara said it was a hard-fought battle on both sides.

“Our discipline was tested a few times by some of the calls made however when it wasn’t in our favour I was proud of our team for rising to the occasion and playing with fighting spirit. There were some mistakes that costed us in the game but again we were just hungry to fight back and get through to the finals.

“We know next week is going to be tough on us but we’ve also worked hard to get there and we are just excited to take the field again with our Lady Bear sisters.

“We would like to thank the Lady Eels for the match. We lost to them in the last round and coming back to win wasn’t easy but we are so grateful that they gave us a good run. Congratulations to them for a great season.”