The Cronulla Sharks made it six in a row, defeating the Newcastle Knights by 38 points at Beanie for Brain Cancer Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
The Cronulla Sharks started piling on the points early in the game, with Jesse Ramien crossing the line in the third minute. The Knights’ first points came in the 34th minute of the match with Lachlan Fitzgibbon crossing. The Sharks dominated the second half, scoring six tries to Newcastle’s one. The Sharks defeated the Knights by 48 points to 10.
FOUR POINTERS
Moylan Magic
New Sharks recruit Matt Moylan had a field day against the Knights on Sunday afternoon, playing one of his best matches this year. He has yet to score points for himself with his new club, however, has made 11 try assists in his 10 games with the club – six of which were in Sunday’s win. Of the nine tries Cronulla scored against the Knights, Moylan assisted in six. His performances for the Sharks have been improving significantly in recent weeks, and Sunday afternoon was no different. He is now one of three players holding the record for most try assists in one match.
Newcastle Continues to Struggle
The Newcastle Knights have now lost their last four matches in a row, and have the worst for and against in the competition. The Knights have recently been struggling in attack, scoring only ten points against the Sharks. Cronulla ended up having most of the possession, however early in the match, it was the Knights who were dominating. While it is important to have possession and momentum, the Knights didn’t manage to do anything with it which added to their struggle.
Perfect Timing for Holmes
Valentine Holmes has been playing exceptionally well in recent weeks, which is perfect timing with the State of Origin series coming up in a few weeks. His name has been thrown around as an inclusion to the Queensland Maroons’ side for this year’s series, and his performance on Sunday afternoon was proof enough that he should be included in the side. Holmes scored a hattrick and made sure to be involved in the entire match, shifting from left to right to be as active as possible.
Into the Top Four
The Sharks are on a winning streak with their victory on Sunday afternoon making it six in a row and now find themselves in the top four on the NRL ladder with 8 wins from 12 matches. Cronulla has knocked the Warriors of the top four, and are equal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs who sit third. They have improved significantly in recent weeks, particularly in terms of the spine. They are pretty much full strength, with their leadership team back from injury. The only big name missing on Sunday was Andrew Fifita who was rested after playing through a knee injury while Paul Gallen and Wade Graham were missing for respective injuries.
THE RESULT
Tries: Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Sione Mata’utia
Goals: Ken Sio 1
Cronulla Sharks 48
Tries: Jesse Ramien 2, Valentine Holmes 3, Jayden Brailey, Josh Dugan, Edrick Lee, Luke Lewis
Goals: Chad Townsend 6
