The Penrith Panthers two Division One Youth League teams were both on the road to Sutherland on Sunday, for Round Seven of the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition.
The Penrith women were without two of their regular starting five against the lower-ranked Sharks and could not compensate for their absence, falling 55-47.
Emily Potts (Meniscus) and Chloe Bloom (Hamstring) were the two injured players missing and Penrith head coach Leonie Moore will be anxiously awaiting updates on their expected return.
NSW Under 18 Centre Natalia Beaumont (Emu Heights) is however due back next week and will be a significant addition to the squad.
Ella Tofaeono led the Panthers on Sunday with 16 points but was the only player in double figures, with Dominika Offner (Springwood) the next best with eight.
The Penrith Women face the bottom-placed South West Sydney Razorbacks at 3pm this Saturday, at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC), Cambridge Park.
The Penrith men were also in action against the Sharks and raced to a powerful 51-28 lead in a dominant first half.
A half-time 'rev-up' from Sharks head coach Pete Rayner saw the local team fire up for a significant improvement in the second half.
The Sharks won the second half 48-38 but it would not be enough to stop the Panthers from grabbing a much-needed victory.
Adam Lulka (East Blaxland) led the Panthers with 24 points, ahead of Sean Weekes 23, Bryden Albertyn 13 and Bryce Field 10.
The Panthers play the tenth-placed Moss Vale Magic at 5pm this Saturday at the PVRSC.
