Sharks snatch win against Warriors

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Warriors v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

A controversial late try by Edrick Lee off what appeared to be a forward pass with the Sharks trailing by 1 point, has given the Sharks a 3 point 18-15 win over the Warriors in Auckland tonight.

The Warriors were dominant in the opening 20 minutes, with almost the entire opening 15 minutes played in the Sharks half.

In the third minute, Cronulla earned a penalty, but Townsend failed to find touch. From the ensuing set the Warriors exploited a gap created by the Sharks centre rushing out of the line early. Kata then scored in the left corner. Johnson converted from touch.

A Ramien knock on deep in his side's half was further compounded when Gelling forced his way over through some poor defence for a strong try in the ensuing set. Johnson converted again.

The Sharks second genuine attacking set of the match saw Fifita get held up over the line. The Sharks went right side and Ramien barged over for a strong try of his own, despite plenty of defensive pressure. Townsend failed to convert.

In the 23rd minute the Sharks put the ball through the hands ever so easily, sending it left and Lee dived over in the corner untouched. Townsend added the extras with a great sideline conversion.

With just a few minutes left in the half, the Sharks earnt a penalty and Townsend slotted the penalty goal to level the scores at the break.

Scoring was very hard to come by in the second half, with a penalty goal to Townsend in the 56th minute and Johnson in the 67th the only result from plenty of great footy by both sides.

With 6 minutes remaining in the match, Johnson calmly potted a field goal from right in front to give his side a 15-14 lead.

With just 3 minutes remaining, Moylan attempted a field goal, but it was charged down by Paasi, however the Sharks recovered the ball and earnt a fresh set. They shifted the ball left and Lee dived over in the corner for his second try of the game, albeit off what appeared to be a slightly forward pass. Townsend failed to convert.

After some manic play from the Warriors short kick off, the Sharks were awarded a penalty and they wound down the clock for a gutsy 3 point win.

Next week the Warriors head across the Tasman to play the Panthers while the Sharks enjoy the bye ahead of Origin III.