The final step proved one too far yet again for West London Sharks as they lost Sunday's Rugby League Conference Premier Grand Final.

The Osterley-based outfit reached the showdown with Nottingham Outlaws by winning the South Premier with a 100 per cent record, then beat South London Storm in the regional play-off final and Valley Cougars in the national semi-final.

But just as they did when they lost to Widnes Saints in their only other Grand Final appearance in 2004, Sharks could not leap the final hurdle and lost 28-8 in Derby.

Nottingham were 16 points up before Sharks opened their account through hooker Anthony Tawere, but went in 16-4 down at the break.

Sharks then pulled closer early in the second-half when Josh Aomarere and Donny Lam put in Terence Puna to cross out wide.

But two further scores for Outlaws saw them lift the trophy and Sharks miss out.

However, there was some consolation for the McFarlane Lane outfit when their ladies beat Coventry Bears Ladies 44-20 in the inaugural Women's Grand Final.

Player-of-the-match, and England World Cup hopeful Leah Carey led the side superbly, while scrum-half Vicky Schiavon contributed a try and six goals.

Both scored tries before the break, along with Jane Crowther and Laura Wilkinson, as Sharks led 24-10 at the interval.

Wilkinson added another in the second-half, while further tries from Jo Maeva, Louise Latter and Caroline Holmes completed the scoring.