Cronulla Sharks were successful in getting their third win of the season after defeating the Penrith Panthers by four points at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
The Cronulla Sharks hosted the Penrith Panthers in their first meeting for the season and produced one of their best performances yet this year. It was James Maloney’s first time back to the ground after directly swapping clubs with Matt Moylan in the off-season. It was an entertaining match and the Sharks just got away with the two competition points.
FOUR POINTERS
Sorensen’s Positive Return
Due to the injuries in the Cronulla forward pack after last Friday night’s loss to the Dragons, Scott Sorensen was given his first run for the Sharks after returning to the club. He was placed in the starting side in the final draft of the line-up for the match against the Panthers and was one of their best on the field. He scored the Sharks’ second try of the match after breaking through the defence of the Panthers. It was an impressive effort from Sorensen that was invaluable to the success of his team.
Sharks Spine Looking Better
The Cronulla Sharks spine is looking impressive and worked well as a unit against the Panthers. In particular, the two newcomers Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan had strong performances that assisted the Sharks in their victory. The spine for the side seems concrete with the same four expected to be picked each week, which will allow the players to create a strong dynamic that will help bring more victories for the Cronulla side in the 2018 season.
The Panthers Always in the Contest
Credit is due to the Panthers who remained in the game for the entire eighty. The final score suggests this given the Sharks won by just four points, and while it wasn’t the Panthers’ best performance of the year the team did put on a strong display against the Sharks and turned the game into a nail-biter. The Penrith side undoubtedly demonstrated their strength in both attack and defence, however just fell short of the win.
An Entertaining Sunday Afternoon
The supporters of both sides were on the edge of their seats throughout the entire eighty. Cronulla had a strong start; however, the Panthers didn’t give up and did attempt a comeback as they have pulled off previously. The fast-finishing Penrith team narrowed the margin to just four points in the end, however, the Sharks were lucky enough to steal the two competition points. Both sides have their strengths that were put on display throughout the match, making it an entertaining Sunday afternoon of football.
THE RESULT
Cronulla Sharks 26
Tries: Valentine Holmes, Scott Sorensen, Jesse Ramien 2
Goals: Chad Townsend 5
Penrith Panthers 22
Tries: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Viliame Kikau
Goals: James Maloney 3
https://nothingbutleague.com/2017/07/06/luke-lewis-re-signs-with-cronulla-sharks-for-2018/
