The Cronulla Sharks are back in the winner’s circle after defeating the Wests Tigers by eight points at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
Both the Sharks and the Tigers lost their matches last weekend, and both were hoping to bounce back on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers were dominant in the first half, going into the halftime break leading 10 points to 2. The Sharks hit back in the second half, scoring four tries and winning 24 points to 16 in front of a home crowd of 13,093.
FOUR POINTERS
Gallen Leads the Way
Cronulla captain Paul Gallen lead the way in his side’s victory against the Tigers on Sunday afternoon, taking control of the match. He ran for 201 metres and was involved in setting up a try as well as scoring his own four-pointer, which was his first for the Sharks’ this season. Gallen lifted the side in the second half which lead to their comeback and eventually their narrow win over the Tigers who lost their second match in a row.
Tigers Remained Competitive
The Wests Tigers had a strong opening half against the Sharks, remaining dominant, particularly after Elijah Taylor scored their first try of the afternoon. They had a lot of the possession in the first half which contributed to their overall dominance over their opposition. The Tigers’ second half wasn’t as strong as their first, allowing the Sharks to score four tries to their one. Despite this, the Tigers did come back and make it a two-point margin late in the match until the Sharks went over with five minutes to go. Regardless of the loss, the Tigers remained competitive throughout the entire match.
Second Half Comeback Saves Sharks
The Sharks were much better in the second half than they were in the first, which lead to their victory over the Tigers after losing last Friday night. The comeback began when Paul Gallen went over for the Sharks’ first try of the afternoon in the 49th minute. Valentine Holmes scored not long after, which put the Sharks in front for the first time in the match. Edrick Lee and Jesse Ramien scored the final tries which won the game for Cronulla in their lucky second-half comeback at home.
Jesse Ramien Seals the Deal
Jesse Ramien once again proved himself as a top quality player, sealing the deal for Cronulla by scoring a 35 metre try on his own with five minutes left on the clock, breaking through desperate Tigers defence. Ramien has been one of Cronulla’s best this season and has proved himself in recent weeks, and this Sunday afternoon victory was no exception. Ramien is moving to the Newcastle Knights at the end of this season and is shaping up to be an exciting signing for the club.
THE RESULT
Cronulla Sharks 24
Tries: Paul Gallen, Valentine Holmes, Edrick Lee, Jesse Ramien
Goals: Chad Townsend 4
Wests Tigers 16
Tries: Elijah Taylor, Tuimoala Lolohea
Goals: Esan Marsters 4
https://nothingbutleague.com/2016/04/11/gallen-a-shark-for-life/
