The Cronulla Sharks came back late in the match to steal the two competition points away from the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
Despite the Sharks having the majority of early possession, the Raiders created opportunities for themselves when they had the ball, leading the Sharks 16 points to 8 at halftime. The Sharks, however, improved their performance, scoring sixteen second-half points. Cronulla stole the win in Canberra, defeating the Raiders 24 points to 16.
FOUR POINTERS
Valentine Holmes Stars
After a mistake from Valentine Holmes saw the Raiders get their first points of the match, the Cronulla fullback quickly redeemed himself, putting on his best performance of the year. Holmes has had to compete for the fullback position, however, the injury to Josh Dugan has given him the number one jersey for a few weeks. He has been proving himself worthy of the fullback position, and his performance against the Raiders was his best of the 2018 season. Holmes ran over 300 metres in the match, scoring two long-range tries as well as setting up a try for debutant Jack Williams.
Losing Austin Proved Costly
Blake Austin was one of the Raiders’ best on the field, while he was on the field. Immediately after scoring the Raiders’ second and final try of the match, Austin was assisted off the field by the trainers after suffering an ankle injury. He was one of their best on-field before injury struck. Both the Canberra coach and captain agree that the loss of Austin had an impact on the end result of the match. He was helped off the field with just ten minutes remaining in the first half.
Fifita Leads Once Again
The Sharks have had five of their best and most experienced players out for the last few weeks, leaving it up to Andrew Fifita to lead his team, which he has done quite well. He has been in charge as captain for the last four matches, all of which Cronulla have managed to win. Fifita hasn’t had any leadership experience in the past, however, it seems to be coming naturally at the moment. The loss of forwards and the leadership team of Gallen, Graham and Lewis was expected to have a detrimental impact on the success of Cronulla for as long as the players have been absent, however, Fifita has successfully taken the role into his own hands.
Second Half Trouble
The Raiders were dominant in the first half, leading by eight when the Sharks and the Raiders headed to the sheds for halftime. Cronulla had most of the possession, however, didn’t do much with it – the Raiders did. During the second half, however, the Raiders struggled in both attack and defence. They were kept scoreless in the second half, and their defence faltered slightly with Cronulla players being able to run through the middle of their defensive line. This proved costly for them as the Sharks were able to score sixteen points in the final forty which got them the win.
THE RESULT
Canberra Raiders 16
Tries: Nick Cotric, Blake Austin
Goals: Jarrod Croker 4
Cronulla Sharks 24
Tries: Valentine Holmes 2, Sosaia Feki, Jack Williams
Goals: Chad Townsend 4
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/05/07/report-cronulla-sharks-22-20-parramatta-eels/
