The Jersey Flegg Sharks continued their impressive start to the 2018 season with a come-from-behind victory over the previously undefeated Newcastle Knights.
In a game played in Cessnock on Saturday, the Sharks were forced to fight back from an 18-6 half time deficit, with three tries scored in a six-minute period of the second half propelling them to a 30-24 victory.
With four wins, a draw and a bye through the first six rounds, the Flegg Sharks jumped the Knights courtesy of the victory and moved into first place on the under-20’s table.
After the two teams traded tries early, the Sharks four-pointer coming from hard working forward Monty Raper, the Knights gained the ascendency for the remainder of the first half and went to the break with a handy 12-point cushion.
The teams went set for set in the early exchanges of the second half before a Bronson Xerri try ignited the visiting Cronulla team, with Jackson Ferris and Blake Manowski getting across the line in quick succession and the Sharks had their first lead at 20-18 in front with under 20-minutes of the match remaining.
The Knights responded, backrower Beau Furmor scoring his third try of the afternoon to put them back in front at 24-20, but as they have done in a couple of their victories so far this season, the Sharks again showed determination and resilience, fighting back once more.
Hooker Harrison Smith would go over, the try converted by Braydon Trindall, they were back in front with the match entering the final 10 minutes, before a 76th minute try to stocky winger Chris Tupou sealed an impressive Sharks win against one of the highly rated teams in the Jersey Flegg competition.
The Flegg Sharks are on the road again this week, taking on the Canterbury Bulldogs in a round seven match at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3.00pm (stay tuned to Sharks media channels in case of any scheduling changes).
JERSEY FLEGG
SHARKS 30
Monty Raper, Bronson Xerri, Jackson Ferris, Blake Manowski, Harrison Smith, Chris Tupou tries, Braydon Trindall 3 goals
Beat
KNIGHTS 24
