Sharks post narrow win over Warriors

The Cronulla Sharks have posted a narrow 22-20 victory over the New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland tonight.

Following tries to Sharks centre Ben Pomeroy and Warriors utility Sam Rapira, the Warriors managed to post a tenuous 8-6 lead in what was a messy first half.

The Warriors went further ahead through five eighth Michael Witt just after the break.

After 42 minutes, the Warriors were 14-6 in front and in the box seat.

But the Sharks struck back in the 46th minute with lock forward Greg Bird scoring the first of his two tries, the visitors eventually finishing strongly to post a 22-20 victory.

Round 8 - Full Time :: May 5th, 2007 05:30 PM Venue: Mt Smart Stadium Referee: Gavin Badger

New Zealand Warriors 20 Tries: Sam Rapira, Michael Witt, Louis Anderson Goals: Tony Martin (4/4) Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 22 Tries: Ben Pomeroy, Greg Bird (2), Misi Taulapapa Goals: Luke Covell (3/6)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Greg Bird (Sharks) 2 Points: Ben Pomeroy (Sharks) 1 Point: Grant Rovelli (Warriors) Live Commentary KICK OFF! Fine night in Auckland.

10 min: No score as yet. Bit of an arm wrestle with the Sharks on attack. Opportunities hampered by errors.

12 min: INJURY AND ON REPORT Logan Swann (Warriors) concussed in a tackle and he leaves the field. Lance Thompson (Sharks) on report.

13 min: PENALTY GOAL New Zealand Warriors Tony Martin from in front. Follows penalty against Craig Stapleton going on too long in the tackle. New Zealand Warriors 2-0

17 min: Possible try to Pomeroy (Sharks)

17 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Ben Pomeroy gets the nod and hurts his shoulder in the process. A controversial video ref decision with a question mark over the grounding, Pomeroy running through to dive on a grubber. Conversion attempt by Luke Covell successful from almost in front. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 6-2

30 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Covell misses 5m in from touch. A Warriors player on report for a lifting tackle. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 6-2

39 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors Sam Rapira forces his way through from close range and touches down on the line. Benefit of the doubt given by Steve Nash the video ref. Conversion attempt by Tony Martin successful. New Zealand Warriors 8-6

Halftime: Warriors 8-6 Messy first half and plenty of penalties. This one too close to call. Warriors enjoying a higher completion rate while possession and field position is pretty much even stevens.

Second half underway...

42 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors Michael Witt scores following a well placed bomb from Grant Rovelli. Survives video ref scrutiny. From in front, conversion attempt by Tony Martin successful. New Zealand Warriors 14-6

46 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Greg Bird cleans up a deft kick infield to score, following video ref. Simple looking conversion attempt by Luke Covell is unsuccessful. New Zealand Warriors 14-10

46 min: ON REPORT Logan Swann on report for taking out Adam Dykes in the lead up the try.

49 min: Possible try to Greg Bird for the Sharks. Video ref checking.

49 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Bird gets a double. Ruled to have grounded it on the line. Conversion attempt from right in front by Luke Covell is successful. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 16-14

55 min: Still 16-14 to the Sharks who are getting repeat sets at the Warriors line. 60m line drop out from Michael Witt.

59 min: TRY Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Misi Taulapapa scores following a grubber. Conversion attempt by Luke Covell successful. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 22-14

63 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors Anderson scores for the home side. Conversion attempt by Tony Martin successful. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 22-20

70 min: Sharks on the attack and possible try. Lance Thompson touching down following grubber.

70 min: NO TRY Knock-on ruled.

76 min: ON REPORT Nathan Fien (Warriors) high tackle. Sharks will have a shot at goal.

77 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Covell's attempt is a shocker! Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 22-20

Full time: Sharks finishing well to narrowly defeat the Warriors in Auckland by 22-20