Broncos defeat Sharks without Origin stars

Round 17
Brisbane Broncos 26 v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 12
at Suncorp Stadium
Referees: Shayne Hayne

Match Summary:
The Brisbane Broncos have defeated the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks today by 26-12 at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos came out of the blocks breathing fire through an early try to Corey Parker in the 4th minute and kept the pressure on the Sharks by getting back to back goal line drop outs and they eventually scored again with the weight of possession when Webcke crashed over in the 14th minute to extend the lead to 10-0.

The Broncos continued to play the ball in the Sharks half on the back of a great kicking game and they came up with 2 more points through a penalty goal to Corey Parker to make it 12-0. The Broncos soon scored again through Tame Tupou on the back of a Lance Thompson mistake to make it 16-0 in the 32nd minute.

The Sharks then scored in the dying moments of the first half to get back into the match momentarily and they went into the break trailing 16-6. David Simmons and Tame Tupou both taking no further part in the match after suffering injuries in the first half.

The Broncos extended their lead once again to 22-6 after Seymour scored from a high ball. The Sharks tried to get back into the match with a try in the 60th minute but the Broncos hit straight back to score a try of their own 3 minutes later to put the match beyond doubt.

The Broncos have thoroughly deserved their victory today minus their Origin stars and players out through injury. This was a great team performance today as no one really stood out. Darius Boyd and Shane Webcke both had strong games. This sets them up nicely for the rest of the season.

The Broncos now move to second place on the ladder and come up against the Storm next week in a top of the table clash at Olympic Park whilst the Sharks will take on the Wests Tigers at Toyota Park.

Scorers:
Brisbane Broncos: 26
Tries: Corey Parker, Brett Seymour, Tame Tupou, Shane Webcke, Darius Boyd
Goals: Corey Parker 3/9
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks: 12
Tries: Greg Bird, Brett Kearney
Goals: Luke Covell 2/2

By the Clock:
Welcome to Suncorp Stadium for todays clash between top 4 sides the Broncos & Sharks.
The Broncos will be without 6 origin players and also 5 other players out injured whilst for the Sharks they will nearly be at full strength with only 1 player Paul Gallen on origin duties. Can the Sharks continue there fine run of form ? Stay tuned...

1 min: The Broncos kickoff and get us underway at Suncorp


4 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos spread the ball to Corey Parker who goes through some poor defence and sells the dummy to the fullback and scores the try. Conversion successful
Broncos 6-0

9 min: NEWS The Sharks make a meal of the high ball and will give the Broncos another chance through a goal line dropout

11 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Brisbane Broncos
The Sharks give away a penalty for a high shot and Parker misses the conversion from out wide. Goal line drop out again.
Broncos 6-0

14 min: NEWS The Broncos get another set of six after Albert bats the ball into touch

14 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
From the ensueing set Webcke breaks through the defence and reaches out to score after repeat sets. Conversion unsuccessful
Broncos 10-0

17 min: NEWS The Broncos have come out breathing fire and are dominating the Sharks at present.

20 min: NEWS The Broncos force another goal line drop out on the Sharks. Can they hold out after the Broncos have had a heap of possession

21 min: NEWS The Broncos come up with a forward pass for their first error of the match

27 min: NEWS The Sharks get a relieving penalty and will get the ball in good field position but lose the ball and Tupou nearly goes the length of the field to score and then the Sharks give away a penalty

29 min: PENALTY GOAL Brisbane Broncos
Corey Parker converts from in front
Broncos 12-0

32 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos score again out wide after a bad mistake from Lance Thompson and they stretch their lead near halftime. Conversion unsuccessful
Broncos 16-0

34 min: NEWS The Broncos have had a mountain of possession and great field position making it impossible for the Sharks to mount any pressure

37 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Kearney scores next to te post from a Kimmorley grubber after a Broncos mistake. Conversion successful
Broncos 16-6

39 min: NEWS David Simmons injures his knee in a tackle and is in doubt to return for the second half.

Halftime... The Broncos have dominated the first half with a great kicking game and have dominated field position. The Sharks will need to roll their sleeves up to get back into this match. Can the Broncos hang on and win without their origin stars.

41 min: Sharks kick off to start the second half..

41 min: NEWS David Simmons has not returned to the field after injuring his knee and Darren Albert will switch to fullback. Tame Tupou also injured and will not return to the field. Greg Eastwood replaces him.

47 min: NEWS No change to the halftime score. A steady start from both sides.

48 min: NEWS Sharks get a penalty in good position after a late tackle on Kimmorley

49 min: NEWS The Sharks make a bad error after Albert and Pomeroy collide going for the high ball to give the Broncos the ball.

51 min: NEWS Off to the video ref for a possible Broncos Try

51 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
From the high ball Thorn takes the ball and bats it back to Seymour who strolls over to score next to the post. Conversion successful
Broncos 22-6

54 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Brisbane Broncos
The Sharks give away a penalty for stripping the ball and Parker has a shot at goal but misses.
Broncos 22-6

57 min: NEWS The Sharks nearly score but Vagana puts the ball down with the line in sight.

60 min: NEWS Off to the vidoe ref for a Sharks try

60 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Bird just gets the ball down before the deadball line after another grubber from Kimmorley. Conversion successful
Broncos 22-12

65 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
On the back of a Sharks error Darius Boyd scoops up the ball and links up with Scott Minto and backs up to score a try that makes it nearly impossible for the Sharks to come back from. Conversion unsuccessful from Parker after hitting the upright for the second time today
Broncos 26-12

68 min: NEWS The Sharks kick out on the full from the kickoff

74 min: NEWS The Broncos bring the ball out of their own in goal line in sensational style to deny the Sharks any chance in this match

77 min: NEWS The Broncos get a penalty after Ben Hannant was taken out going for the kick.

78 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Brisbane Broncos
From the penalty Corey Parker puts in shocker to miss from close range
Broncos 26-12

Fulltime... The Broncos have come away with a dominant victory over the Sharks today who never looked likely against a highly commited side missing up to 11 players through origin and injury.
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Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 - Darius Boyd
2 - Shane Webcke
1 - Brad Thorn
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