Comeback not good enough for Lions

A much-improved second half effort wasn't enough to save the Vodafone Auckland Lions from defeat in their New South Wales Premier League clash against Cronulla on Saturday night.

Sharks centre Dane Nielsen scored his third try to take his side to a 30-4 lead early in the second spell.

But prop Upu Poching then crossed and centre Lance Hohaia followed his first half try with another.

Those tries, both converted, brought the visitors back to 16-30 after they'd fallen 4-26 behind at halftime.

But that was as close as it got, the Sharks scoring their seventh try to finish 34-16 ahead.

The Vodafone Auckland Lions also battled first half injury setbacks, losing fullback Kevin Locke and centre Miguel Start.

Match details:

Toyota Park, Cronulla

Cronulla Sharks 34 (Dane Nielsen 3, Paul Stephenson 2, Brackin Henry, Reece Robinson tries; Bryson Goodwin 3 conversions).

Vodafone Auckland Lions 16 (Lance Hohaia 2, Upu Poching tries; Steve Buckingham 2 conversions).

Halftime: 26-4 Sharks.