Sharks streak snapped in drawn thriller

v BYE

The streak was snapped in an engrossing 18-all draw between the Sharks and Titans in front of 14,918 fans at Skilled Stadium. 

In an engrossing contest neither side could find a winner as the Gold Coast Titans were the ones to bring the Cronulla Sharks winning streak to an end at fifteen. Gold Coast might feel a bit aggreived that they didn't finish the game within regulation after leading 18-12 with ten to go. 

For the first half-hour though, it looked like the Cronulla freight train would roll on, as they exploded out to a 12-nil lead with two sweeping back-line movements to get firstly Valentine Holmes across with ease in the 6th minute. They doubled the dose when Jack Bird finished a smooth move to make it a dozen. 

Bird's try followed the first major flashpoint of the game - as Titans winger David Mead was sin-binned for a professional foul on Michael Ennis as he tried to chase a grubber. When the winger returned though, the Titans had reduced the deficit to six at the break. 

Following on from crossing the stripe before the break - Gold Coast looked more lively and energetic which forced the competition leaders into retreat which allowed the room for Mead to swing across for 12-all. 

Another flowing piece of play gave the home side a deserved lead, as they camped in the Sharks half. Konrad Hurrell drew in the defender for Anthony Don to do his best Australian diving team audition and touch down just inside the corner followed by Tyrone Roberts sneaking a conversion inside the uprights for an 18-12 lead. 

Despite being rattled, the Sharks called on their big men to get them back into the contest and it was Andrew Fifita who responded. Fresh from a break, the New South Wales prop stayed live to take a Luke Lewis offload and level the scoreline again. 

As is custom within the last five, both teams tried their hardest to find a field goal but neither Ash Taylor or James Maloney could find enough space to slot the field goal. Onto extra time we went. 

Maloney was once again the go-to man for the visitors but crashed the best effort against the post in the 83rd minute as both defenses swamped on the playmaker's before they could get clean contact. 

Taylor seemed to be kicking under pressure every time, and didn't get close to the sticks with his efforts. Sharks had the final say though, as they steamed forward with a minute to go. 

They found their danger men in Valentine Holmes and Ben Barba to spark something but Holmes tried to kick inside for his support to find opposition centre, Josh Hoffman there to dive on the ball. The points would be shared in an enthralling and engrossing contest. 

Next week the Sharks are at home to the Raiders in a salivating 1st v 3rd clash at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Saturday evening, while the Titans are at home for the third straight weekend when they host the Warriors on Sunday afternoon.