Sharks outlast woeful Warriors to solidify top eight position

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Warriors

The Cronulla Sutherland Sharks have put themselves in prime position to stay in the top 8, outlasting the Warriors to win 20 points to 12 in a dire affair at Kogarah.

The Warriors were gifted an early attacking opportunity after Braydon Trindall knocked on, however Nikorima's grubber was deflected and then dived on by Teig Wilton. 

Both sides went set for set for the next 10 minutes or so, however when the Sharks were able to muster some field position, Trindall's grubber kick was too big, giving the Warriors a 7 tackle set. They took full advantage this time, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak putting in a grubber that couldn't be knocked dead by Katoa, the result being Reece Walsh diving on the loose ball and scoring the first try of the match. 

It didn't take long for the Sharks to hit back; O'Sullivan charged down their kick, but it deflected into Matt Lodge who was standing in an offside position. Braydon Trindall threw a peach of a pass to Connor Tracey, who strolled over to level the scores. 

The Sharks then began to take control and build pressure, with 4 consecutive sets attacking the Warriors line. It eventually became too much, Trindall backed up his assist with a try of his own, running the ball and proving too strong for Kodi Nikorima. 

The horror period continued for the Warriors, with Reece Walsh kicking off out on the full. The Sharks were in a try-scoring mood, with the big man Braden Hamlin-Uele breaking the line and then steamrolling Walsh to score his first try of the year. 

The Warriors found a way to concede a penalty in goal kicking range before the half, with Trindall making it a 20-6 scoreline at the break. 

The second half was an error-riddled arm wrestle. Jack Murchie came on and made 2 errors in 3 minutes, while Ramien looked threatening, making a half break but then simply dropping it cold. The Warriors were handed an opportunity after a successful captains challenge deemed the Sharks had knocked on. They took full advantage for a change, with Sean O'Sullivan throwing a short ball to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who did the rest of the work and slimmed the gap to 8 points. 

For the remainder of the contest, the Sharks had ample opportunity to put the result beyond doubt, while the Warriors also had their fair share of chances to make it a grandstand finish. Neither side were able to achieve these respective goals, and the game finished with the Sharks winning 20 points to 6.

Next week, both sides will be playing in the new South-East Queensland bubble, with the Sharks against the Raiders and Warriors against the Panthers.