Cronulla run riot over woeful Wests

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Wests Tigers

The Cronulla Sharks have made it four in a row with an emphatic 30-4 victory over the Wests Tigers in a match marred by an act of pure stupidity from a pitch invader.

With the Sharks up 20-0 approaching the hour mark, play was halted for several minutes after a spectator ran onto the field to let off a flare with both teams in close proximity.

The incident did little however to detract from the on-field action with the Sharks extending their dominance over the joint venture to eight wins from the past nine clashes, much to the delight of a sold-out crowd of 11,500 supporters at PointsBet Stadium.

The fifth straight defeat is the worst start to a season for the Wests Tigers since entering the premiership in 2000.

Taking advantage of a spilt bomb from Starford To'a, filling in at fullback after Daine Laurie returned a positive COVID-19 result upon arrival at the ground, a quick pass from Toby Rudolf allowed Briton Nikora (9th minute) to touch down for first points underneath the posts.

Coming close to extending their lead only for Ronaldo Mulitalo to put a foot on the touchline in the lead up, a dazzling run from Sione Katoa (19th minute) a few minutes later put the home side up 10-0.

Knocking back an opportunity to kick a penalty goal shortly before the break, the Sharks attacking instincts were rewarded when a well-worked right side shift, involving every member of the spine, enabled Katoa (36th minute) to collect a brace.

Going further ahead following the resumption of play, Mulitalo (48th minute) finished off a powerful passage in which the Sharks tore through the Tigers feeble defence over the course of a seven tackle set. 

With the Tigers failing to mount pressure due to countless errors with the ball in hand, centre Jesse Ramien (66th minute) powered over from another right side shift, while Cameron McInnes selflessly passed to Will Kennedy (69th minute) in the following set after running through a yawning gap to take the score to 30-0.

A late intercept from Ken Maumalo (80th minute) spared the Tigers the ignominy of being held scoreless in an otherwise horrendous afternoon for the visitors.

Next week, the Sharks take on the Storm at AAMI Park on Saturday evening, while the Tigers face the Eels at Commbank Stadium on Easter Monday.