Undermanned Sharks scrape past plucky Titans

v BYE

Both sides lost players to injury, and both responded in typically gritty fashion. In a tight, see-sawing affair it was the Cronulla that downed an always improving Titans side 25-20 at Southern Cross Group Stadium this afternoon.

In what is always a tight affair, the Sharks opened their clash against the Titans in contrasting fashion, racing ahead to take an early 14-0 lead. It was a contentious opening to the game with Ben Barba given the benefit of the doubt from the Bunker with a possible knock on ignored as Barba paced away for a length of the field try. Maloney hit the steel work with the conversion and would do the same just 6 minutes later after Sosaia Feki crossed in the corner.

The Sharks all of a sudden had a commanding lead with Matt Prior crossing for an unlikely four pointer. However, the try would be soured by the departure of James Maloney who succumbed to concussion at the hands of a late hit by Greg Bird.

Following his exit, all momentum shifted towards the away side with the Titans crossing for an intercept pass in the 24th minute courtesy of Nene Macdonald. After controlling much of the following proceedings, Cameron Cullen crossed for a try in his debut game and suddenly the Titans found themselves only down 14-12 at the break.

With Maloney, along with Luke Lewis (for the Sharks) and Daniel Mortimer (for the Titans) unable to return in the 2nd half, the Titans continued their momentum from the 1st half with Ashley Taylor stepping and swerving for a try to give the Titans the lead.

Cronulla went on to kick the ball out on the full and a string of errors gifted the Titans the opportunity to build a strong lead. Yet, they were unable to, and a mistake from Agnatius Paasi saw the Sharks rally and score through Andrew Fifita. A big shot from Greg Bird would see Ben Barba cough up the ball and a subsequent accidental offside saw Taylor kick the Titans to lock it up at 20 points a piece with 15 left.

Some strong defence saw the Sharks gain enough possession to claim a point and 21-20 lead with 10 left before a Valentine Holmes special in the corner wrapped up a gritty win for the home side. The game would last until the final play, in which the Titans failed to score off late field possession. 

The Sharks face a disappointed Raiders outfit at Canberra next Sunday, while the Titans face the stagnant Dragons at home.