Mixed round two results for junior Sharks
The Matthews Cup Sharks were able to back up their round one win with a second consecutive victory, while the SG Ball side slipped to a disappointing defeat on a day of mixed results for the junior rep Sharks in matches played against the North Sydney Bears.
The under 17 Matthews team was forced to work hard for their win, overcoming a half time deficit before emerging 26-10 victors, while in the SG Ball match the under-19 Sharks side struggled in the hot and humid conditions, squandering a 10-point advantage before going down by 24-16.
“It was tough, hot and greasy conditions and errors and obviously fatigue with the heat was a factor in the game,” Matthews Cup Coach Brad Kelly said.
“At half time I said its just a matter of grinding out a win, making your tackles, completing your sets and getting to your kicks and while sometimes the game doesn’t look real pretty, that’s what was needed to get the job done.
“The boys did a pretty good job in the second half, held onto the ball, defended very well and managed to jag some tries, which was really good.”
After going to half time down by 10-8, the Matthews boys heeded the advice of coach Kelly and despite being a man short for 10 minutes with halfback Max Halloran in the sin bin, went back in front courtesy of a try scored by Nikora Williams, the young centre converting his own four-pointer to put the Sharks up 14-10.
The Bears wouldn’t go away but a try to Sharks hooker Daniel Louka inside the final 10 minutes broke the resolve of the opposition, before a final try in the dying moments to back rower Beau Watson sealed the result.
Following a strong first up win over the Tigers, the young Sharks sit undefeated through the opening two rounds.
In the SG Ball match the Sharks weren’t quite as fortunate, with the North Sydney side responding strongly after going to half time down by 16-6.
As explained by Sharks Elite Development Coach Mick Ennis, the Sharks were their own worst enemies and the Bears capitalised in the opportunities presented to them.
“It was a highly committed Bears side who came out with plenty of enthusiasm and played extremely well.” Ennis said. “Unfortunately for us our ill discipline with the ball and a number of penalties really put us under pressure in these conditions and to Norths credit they competed hard and deserved the win.”
“Their start in the second half in particular was impressive, they out enthused us and in the end, through their effort and found some points,” he added.
After a resounding win over the Tigers in week one, the Sharks were hoping for more of the same in the round two match played at Hills Grammar School at Kenthurst.
Three first half tries, two of which were converted, saw the Cronulla team lead 16-6 in the oppressive conditions but the Bears were far from finished. A converted try inside the opening five minutes of the half gave them some hope and belief, before two more in quick succession, in the 55th and 59th minutes of the game saw the Norths team kickout to an eight point lead, one they would defend until the full time siren.
The SG Ball Sharks are now one win and one loss from their two games played with work to do ahead of a round three match against the Roosters next weekend.
MATTHEWS CUP
SHARKS 26
Daniel Louka, Nikora Williams, Kailan Rehayem, Bailey Leach, Beau Watson tries, Williams 3 goals
beat
Bears 10
SG BALL
SHARKS 16
Talanoa Penitani, Felix Faatili, Jacob Taulani tries, Bryce Sait 2 goals
Lost to
BEARS 24
