The NYC Sharks have given up a 75th minute try in finishing in a 22-all draw with the Manly Sea Eagles in their match at Brookvale Oval.
In a match of fluctuating fortunes, the Sharks took a 10-poiint lead into the half time break and looked likely to hold on for a victory over the fourth-placed Sea Eagles, until giving up the try which would level the scores with the winning post in sight.
It was a performance which would have pleased Coach James Shepherd in terms of the commitment shown by a team which was disrupted by injury in the lead up, but on the other hand left him disappointed for the fact the young Sharks weren’t able to hold on for the win.
The Sharks were on the board early when Semisi Vea scored wide out however the next passage of the game was all Manly as winger Brad Parker, then his centre partner Luke Garner crossed and with neither side able to kick a goal it was 8-4 to the Sea Eagles.
In a half of changing fortunes the Sharks would re-take the lead when Jayden Brailey recognized lazy markers at the ruck and dashed 20 metres to score next to the posts. With the Ryan Cummins conversion after 24 minutes the visiting Sharks led 10-8.
Sea Eagle Jesse Ramien put his side back in front at 12-10 on the 30-minute mark, but from there the Sharks asserted some control, Josh Addo-Carr scoring in the corner before Daniel Liddicoat, playing in the unfamiliar position of centre, broke through before running 30-metres to touch down.
Ryan Cummins kicked both difficult conversions and the Sharks would take a 22-12 lead to the half time break.
With their bench rotation affected after prop Harrison Muller was taken out of the game with concussion early on, the second half became a battle for the Sharks and a try to Manly five-eighth Will Pearsall brought his team within four at 22-18 down.
The match went from end to end with neither team able to cross the line, until the late four-pointer wide out to Parker, his second of the afternoon.
Manly goal-kicker Nicholas Hynes had the chance to put his team ahead with time running out but his conversion attempt sailed wide and despite the best efforts of both teams to break the deadlock with field goals, the scores would remain level and the teams would share the points.
The one-point will have helped the Sharks although now on the outside of the top eight looking in the two for a win would have proved valuable.
The NYC Sharks were well-served by hooker Brailey and back rowers Ashley Nisbet and Anthony Moraitis. Liddicoat, playing out of position due to injuries currently affecting the team, also did a good job in the centres.
The Sharks next face the Dragons in a local derby clash next Sunday at Remondis Stadium.
SHARKS 22
Daniel LIddicoat, Josh Addo-Carr, Jayden Brailey, Semisi Vea tries, Ryan Cummins 3 goals
drew
MANLY 22
Brad Parker 2, Luke Garner, Jesse Ramien tries Nicholas Hynes goal
