Rabbitohs guts-out a win against Sharks

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have scored an important 16-12 victory over the Cronulla Sharks at Telstra Stadium today.

Playing sensible football, showing respect for the ball and with capable defence, the Rabbitohs bounced back from their 14-2 loss to Manly last week, making it two wins from three starts and moving into 11th position on the ladder.

It was the Sharks who looked good early though, with a sharp attacking raid down the eastern flank of the park reaping dividends. Back-rower Lance Thompson opened them up out wide and found Ben Pomeroy who dashed away, giving it winger Mitch Brown to score.

Souths hit back soon after though with Jeremy Smith opening them up down the short side to run 30m and turn the ball back inside to Dean Widders who barged his way to the line. With the failed conversion the scores were locked at 4-all.

Then it was back in the Sharks favour in the 18th minute through impressive youngster Fraser Anderson. With Luke Covell making a good break down the sideline and kicking ahead. Fullback David Simmonds was taken out in the chase but Anderson pounced to regain the lead for the visitors.

This is where things began to go pear-shaped in the kicking department. After missing his first attempt from the sideline, Covell splayed this conversion badly, a shot normally considered his bread and butter.

Trailing 8-4 the Rabbitohs go out of second gear by scoring two tries in seven minutes before the break. The first one came from a simple short ball to Roy Asotasi close to the line and the second saw Nathan Merritt get his first try of the day.

After a long break by Peachey and a near-miss to Paul Mellor, Rogers threaded the ball into the in-goal for last year