In their first outing in two weeks, the Jersey Flegg Sharks have failed to fire, going down by 16-12 to the New Zealand Warriors in their round 18 clash at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
Coming off a loss before the extended break in their schedule, the Sharks trailed at half time, hung in bravely in the second half and put themselves in a position for a come-from-behind win, but couldn't finish off a determined Warriors outfit in slipping to a second consecutive loss.
After conceding an early try the Sharks levelled when strong running winger Josh Delailoa scored however another four-pointer before the break would take the Warriors to half time with a 10-6 advantage.
That lead pushed out to 16-6 courtesy of a try in the early moments of the second period, before Vito Tevaga crossed with a little over 10 minutes remaining to give the Sharks some hope.
Unfortunately for the Sharks the Warriors would hold firm, with the loss set to narrow the Cronulla side's lead at the top of the Jersey Flegg ladder.
The Sharks are next in action when they play the Bulldogs at Henson Park on Saturday.
SHARKS 10
Vito Tevaga, Josh Delailoa tries, Jonaiah Lualua 2 goals
lost to
WARRIORS 16
