Roosters too good for gritty Sharks

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Sydney Roosters v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Minor Premiers the Sydney Roosters have been good enough to survive the relentless Sharks to come away with a 21-12 victory in a top quality contest, as was expected.

The Sharks were first to score thanks to some more brilliance by winger Sosaia Feki. Leutele got an unbelievable pass away as he was being tackled to Feki, who miraculously turned to catch the pass which was high and behind him, then he spun and somehow stayed in the field of play to score in the corner. Holmes was unable to convert.

In the 12th minute the Roosters hit back with a rather fortunate try. A rather ineffective looking grubber bounced awkwardly and hit Graham on the shoulder. Cronk picked up the loose ball and dived over under the posts for a try. Mitchell converted from right in front.

The Sharks received a penalty midway through the first half and Holmes knocked over the penalty goal to level the scores.

With just a few minutes left in the half, the Roosters spread the ball from left to right where Manu took on the line, got tackled, but reached out to slam it down for a try in the corner. Mitchell failed to convert and the Roosters lead 10-6 at the break.

The Sharks started the second set the same way they started the first, with an early try to a winger. Townsend grubbered in behind the Roosters edge defenders and Lee got a nice bounce to plant the ball for a good try in the right corner. Holmes nailed the sideline conversion to give the Sharks a 2 point lead.

Shortly after, Townsend put up a bomb and Leutele tapped it to Moylan who looked to score, but the ball from Leutele went forward.

Eight minutes later Cronk kicked to the left corner where Tupou tapped it back to Mitchell, who spun out of the tackle and dived over the line to score. He failed to convert from out wide.

Almost 4 minutes later, the Roosters were in again after a great cut-out ball by Tedesco sent Tupou over for a try in the corner. Mitchell again failed to add the extras from out wide.

With 18 minutes left in the game, Holmes made a break, drew Tedesco and got a good ball to Dugan, but he dropped it.

Ten minutes later Townsend put in a great grubber and Lewis flew through, got a lovely bounce but was tackled as he caught it. As he fell over the line for the try, the ball came loose and another opportunity went begging.

Seven minutes from fulltime, Cooper Cronk stepped Luke Lewis and calmly potted a field goal from in front and 3 minutes later, Mitchell kicked a penalty goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Next week Cronulla will host Penrith on Friday night, while the Roosters progress to Week 3 where they'll host one of a trio of teams - South Sydney, Brisbane or the Dragons.