Sharks hold off Dolphins to get their season back on track

Embed from Getty Images

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Dolphins

Cronulla-Sutherland has held off a fast-finishing Dolphins side to secure a much needed 24-12 win at Shark Park tonight.

The win sees the Sharks enter themselves back into the Top 8, following some strong performances from halfback Nicho Hynes who bagged a double and yet another slick performance from Blake Brailey who was a constant threat out of dummy half.

Cronulla looked to be cruising to victory with thirteen minutes remaining in the match, before Herbie Farnworth sparked Redcliffe with a crucial one-on-one strip and then a line break and try to give his side a late chance. Cronulla however iced the game late with tries to Hynes and Sione Katoa to secure a much needed win in the Shire for Craig Fitzgibbon's men.

Cronulla came into the match sitting just outside the top eight and desperately needing to get their season back on track. They got off to a hot start inside ten minutes when Nicho Hynes ran down a narrow short side to throw a dummy at the line to score the first try of the night. Hynes converted his try from out wide and it was 6-0.

The game continued to be a real arm wrestle in the first half, with both defensive lines holding strong for the Sharks to lead narrowly at halftime.

Cronulla were gifted an early penalty after the break to extend their lead to 8 points. Blockbusting centre Jesse Ramien then crashed over for the Sharks second try, following some clever hands from Briton Nikora and the home side were in control at 12-0 with just over twenty minutes remaining.

Dolphins lock Kurt Donoghoe was then penalised for a sloppy tackle on Hynes. The goalkicking number seven took the two points on offer as the Sharks continued to push for victory.

Redcliffe finally got on the board with 12 minutes left, when centre Max Feagai scored a try out of nowhere following a break from Jake Averillo.  Jamayne Isaako coverted from out wide to give the visitors a late chance.

The Dolphins then doubled their tally minutes later, when Herbie Farnworth exploded onto the ball inside his own half. The English centre then stepped William Kennedy to pass to Kurt Donoghoe who then found Farnworth back on the inside off a very questionable pass  to score. Isakko converted to narrow the scoreline to just two points to set up a thrilling finish.

Cronulla however snuffed out the late fight back through Nicho Hynes who scored his second try next to the posts to seal victory for the home side.

The Sharks then put an exclamation mark on the victory with seconds remaining when Sione Katoa dived over in the corner following a superb cut out pass from Nicho Hynes to secure a 24-12 win.

Cronulla will now look to make the way back up the ladder in Round 20 when they face the Roosters back at Shark Park next Friday. The Dolphins meanwhile will face the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.