Broncos set the pace at Suncorp

Fulltime score: Round 17 Brisbane Broncos 22 Cronulla Sharks 10 Match summary: Fast and furious was the nature of the beast at Suncorp Stadium this afternoon with the home side bolting out to a 22-10 victory over the Sharks in the end.

From the kick off the stage was set for an entertaining game when the Bronocos hit the lead with a try in the third minute. The offloads from the Sharks outstanding especially in the first half, as they stretched the Broncos defence time and time again.

The 8-6 scoreline at the break indicative of just how close both these sides were on a beautiful Brisbane afternoon.

The second half saw both the teams step up a gear with the Broncos gaining the upperhand and in the end, a comfortable victory over a Sharks side hellbent on making life difficult for the Brisbane side without their Origin rep players.

Stand out performances for the Sharks by Peachey and Gallen were matched by the ever busy Webcke, and Hunt, along with Hodges for the Broncos.

The Broncos now take a handy 4 point lead at the top of the NRL table while the Sharks slip one place down to 5th.

Scorers: BRISBANE BRONCOS 22 Tries: McGuire, Stagg, Hodges Goals: Seymour 2/3 CON, 3/3 PEN

CRONULLA SHARKS 10 Tries: Peachey, Simmons Goals: Covell 1/2

Suncorp Stadium Referee: Tim Mander Half time: 8-6 Broncos

Live commentary: Suncorp the place where the Origin decider will be played at on Wednesday evening, is the venue for this afternoon's match

0 min: Kick off!

3rd min: TRY - BRONCOS As with last week's game against the Warriors, the Broncos have scored early. A nice build up by the Broncos is finished off with McGuire putting in a little grubber close to the line. Peachey misread the kick and McGuire able to score. Seymour adds 2 points from the conversion. Broncos 6-0

10th min: NEWS - The Broncos playing well without their Origin stars. Their defence at this stage scrambling just enough to stop the Sharks solid attack

16th min: TRY - SHARKS Finally after relentless attack a penalty close to their line sets up the try for Peachey to cross the line out wide. Covell half a metre in from touch, kicks over a beauty. 6-6

23rd min: NEWS - The Sharks starting to gain momentum in the match which is being played at a furious pace. Score remains locked up at 6 a-piece

27th min: PENALTY GOAL - BRONCOS A penalty for the Broncos almost in front of the posts after sustained pressure is taken well by Seymour. Broncos 8-6

36th min: NEWS - End to end plays. Both teams tiring as the half nears the end. Both fullbacks stunning on the kick returns. A great match

HALFTIME: A dynamic finish to a very exciting game of rugby league. The defence outstanding by both sides considering the pace at which the game has been played at. The Broncos hold a narrow lead, 8-6

Second half underway...

43rd min: PENALTY GOAL - BRONCOS Back to back penalties out from their line and almost all the Broncos players point to the posts. Seymour answers their call. Broncos 10-6

46th min: NEWS - Thaiday (Broncos) on report for lifting a player above the horizontal

52nd min: NEWS - Minto (Broncos) looked certain to score in the corner after stretching the Sharks defence to their limit. Score remains 10-6 after some outstanding defence by the Sharks. The crowd and the players have stepped things up a notch

59th min: TRY - BRONCOS Finally the deadlock in the scoring has been broken after both sides have mounted some quality attack. Close to the posts Stagg drags two defenders with him over the line. Seymour from almost out in front, adds 2 points. Broncos 16-6

66th min: TRY - BRONCOS A well deserved try to Hodges after some excellent build up by his team mates. The Sharks defence once again stretched to their limit however this time the hole opened up for the Broncos. Seymour misses his first kick this afternoon. Broncos 20-6

72nd min: PENALTY GOAL - BRONCOS Seymour adds 2 more points 20 metres out as the Broncos settle in for the win. The kick hits the post and bounces over. Broncos 22-6

74th min: TRY - SHARKS Simmons gets over for a try out wide for the Sharks. Small consolation after the action packed game that has unfolded at Suncorp. Covelll from right on the sideline, misses the conversion. Broncos 22-10

FULLTIME: A thoroughly entertaining match at Suncorp in superb conditions. In the end the scoreline not indicative on how hard fought the win was for the Broncos. They win 22-10

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - J Hodges (Broncos) 2 - S Webcke (Broncos) 1 - D Peachey (Sharks) -----------------------------------------