The South Sydney Rabbitohs have scored a 12-points-to-6 win over the Sharks at ANZ Stadium, in the sides’ Round 24 clash on Monday night.
Despite their best efforts for much of the second period, the Sharks were unable to overcome the muscle of the Rabbitohs, who went on to record their second consecutive win.
In a tight first-half affair, the Rabbitohs crossed for the opening try courtesy of five-eighth Cody Walker in the 33rd minute.
Walker’s slicing run caught the Sharks unawares within earshot of the break, as Damien Cook converted to send the hosts out by 6.
Cook would turn a six-point lead into an eight-point advantage before the sound of the siren, courtesy of a penalty goal late on in the half.
The second half started much the same as the first played out, with both sides returning from the sheds full of energy, and looking to make a dent in the opposition defence.
In a match played with plenty of intensity in the middle of the park, it would be a Sharks backrower in Wade Graham to cross for the side’s first points, 53 minutes into the contest.
James Maloney slotted the conversion to reduce the margin to just two – and so it would remain for much of the second half.
A late try to Joe Burgess – though with the result already beyond doubt – saw the Rabbitohs edge out by 6, with Cook missing a sideline conversion after the buzzer, the ledger remaining at 12-6 in favour of the hosts at full time.
CRONULLA SHARKS – 6
Tries: Graham | Goals: Maloney (1/1)
Def. by SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS – 12
Tries: Walker, J.Burgess | Goals: Cook (2/3)
