Roosters hang on against fast finishing
Sharks

Round 5
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 24 v Sydney Roosters 28
at Toyota Park
Referees: Sean Hampstead

Match Summary:
The Sydney Roosters have defeated the Cronulla Sharks 28-24 at Toyota Park this evening.

The Roosters led 18-0 at the break only to see the Sharks race to an 18 all scoreline then the Rooster pulled away to a 28-18 scoreline only to see the Sharks score again to close the gap to four points as we entered the final ten minutes of the match.

The Sharks had three chances late in the match to snatch victory only to bomb all three scoring chances to leave them to rue another close loss, their third by less than a converted try this year.

The Roosters looked to be cruising but the Sharks made a game of it after many would have predicted a blowout as the Roosters moved a three try lead at the half.

Best for the Roosters were Craig Fitzgibbon and Ashley Harrison while for the Sharks, Luke Covell kept the Sharks in the game with a try and four conversions from four attempts.

Scorers:
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks: 24
Tries: Luke Covell, Brett Kimmorley, Beau Scott, David Simmons
Goals: Luke Covell 4/4
Sydney Roosters: 28
Tries: Brett Finch, Amos Roberts, Anthony Tupou, Craig Wing, Ashley Harrison
Goals: Craig Fitzgibbon 4/6

By the Clock:


1 min: NEWS We are underway at Toyota Park on a chilly evening in the Sutherland Shire.

12 min: TRY Sydney Roosters
Roosters score the opening try through Amos Roberts.
Roosters 4-0

21 min: TRY Sydney Roosters
Anthony Tupou scores again for the Roosters to open up a nice early lead.
Roosters 10-0

25 min: NEWS Roosters with all the ball early as the Sharks start dropping off tackles.

34 min: NEWS Still no change in the score as both teams fail to capitalise on opportunties.

38 min: TRY Sydney Roosters
Craig WIng scores just before the break to really hurt the Sharks chances of winning this match.
Roosters 16-0

44 min: PENALTY GOAL Sydney Roosters
Fitzy kicks the Roosters to a three try advantage early in the second half.
Roosters 18-0

45 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
The Sharks hit back right away to get themselves back into the game after David Simmons scores and Luke Covell converts.
Roosters 18-6

52 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
The Sharks right back in the match now as Brett Kimmorley crosses to close the gap and apply the heat on the Roosters defence.
Roosters 18-12

57 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Sharks in again to level the scores as we approach the final quarter of the match. What a turnaround and the Roosters are on the ropes. Can they fight back and go on and win the match? Should be a great finish.
18 all.

65 min: TRY Sydney Roosters
The Roosters take the lead again through a try to Brett Finch.
Roosters 22-18

69 min: TRY Sydney Roosters
Harrison scores for the Roosters and that should just about wrap it up with just over ten minutes remaining and a lead greater than a converted try.
Roosters 28-18

72 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Luke Covell crosses out wide to give the Sharks a glimmer of hope as we enter the final stages of the match.
Roosters 28-24

77 min: NEWS Sharks stopped one metre out with only three minutes to go. Edge of the seat stuff here at Toyota Park!

80 min: NEWS Sharks came close three times in the final five minutes but could not get over the line. The Roosters win a nailbiter at Toyota Park as the Sharks are left to ponder their third loss by less than a converted try.
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Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 - Craig Fitzgibbon (Roosters)
2 - Luke Covell (Sharks)
1 - Ashley Harrison (Roosters)
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