Broncos too good as Sharks search
for answers

The Brisbane Broncos have convincingly defeated the Cronulla Sharks 30-4 at ANZ Stadium this afternoon.

The Broncos raced away to a 12-0 lead after 15 minutes with a number of breaks being made close to the ruck.

Outstanding for Brisbane was Tonie Carroll who set up the momentum with some sensational bursts.

In the 28th minute, Carroll cut loose down the right flank and came within a whisker of scoring for himself. With Cronulla's defence cut to shreds, Matthew Rieck was sin binned for a professional foul and with only 12 men on the field, the Sharks were unable to hold Brisbane out. On the next play, Brent Tate crossing for a four pointer on the opposite flank.

The Sharks showed some promise late in the first half with repeat sets of six at the Broncos' line. But they were simply unable to convert these opportunities into points.

At half time, the Broncos were in front 18-0

The match was decided five minutes after the break when Tonie Carroll, Shaun Berrigan and Ben Ikin combined to see fullback Darren Lockyer score under the posts.

Two minutes later, Berrigan put his team further ahead with a runaway try.

At 30-0 down, the Sharks were never going to win but they showed some spirit in the latter stages and finally got on the board thanks to a try to Paul Gallen in the 63rd minute.

League Unlimited best players: 3 - T Carroll 2 - S Berrigan 1 - D Lockyer

Sun 30 March 2003 Kickoff: 3:00 PM ANZ Stadium Ref: Paul Simpkins Penalties Brisbane 8-2

Scorers: Broncos 30 Tries: Berrigan 2, Carroll, Tate, Lockyer Goals: De Vere 5/6 defeated Sharks 4 Tries: Gallen Goals: Kimmorley 0/1

Glorious sunshine in Queensland as the players make their way onto the field. Kick off!

By the clock: 12 min: TRY - Broncos. Following some end to end play, Broncos get repeat sets and Tonie Carroll dives in the corner to score. This coming of the back of some great go forward from Webcke, Meyers and Carlaw. Conversion from Mick De Vere is a ripper. Broncos 6-0

15 min: TRY - Broncos. Berrigan slices through to score. Conversion De Vere. Broncos 12-0

18 min: PENALTY GOAL - Broncos. De Vere slots it through. Penalty for tackling a player in the air. Penalties favour the Broncos 5-1. Broncos 14-0

28 min: NEWS - Sin bin for Matthew Rieck (Sharks) following a Broncos raid... Tonie Carroll coming within a whisker of scoring.

28 min: TRY - Broncos. Sharks down to 12 men can't hold back the momentum of Brent Tate. Conversion De Vere unsuccessful. Broncos 18-0

36 min: NEWS - Sharks get repeat sets at the Broncos line but are unable to convert it into points - eventually being penalised for an incorrect play the ball.

HALF TIME: Broncos having to do more tackling but are still able to create opportunities and convert them into a handy lead. Both sides seeing fundamental errors creep into their game. Worrying signs for the Sharks who have had their chances but just can't score points. Broncos 18-0

45 min: TRY - Broncos. Darren Lockyer scores under posts after Tonie Carroll combines with Berrigan and Ben Ikin. Conversion De Vere. All over red rover. Broncos 24-0

47 min: TRY - Broncos. Berrigan races away to extend Brisbane's lead. Conversion De Vere. Broncos 30-0

63 min: TRY - Sharks. The visitors finally get on the board through Paul Gallen who makes a determined run to score out wide. Conversion Kimmorley unsuccessful. Broncos 30-4

FULL TIME: Game won shortly after half time by the Broncos. Sharks showed some effort in the last 20 minutes but it was all too little too late with Brisbane having all the answers. Broncos running out easy winners 5 tries to 1.