The NYC Sharks have fallen short in their bid to claim a third successive top-four scalp in going down by 34-14 to the New Zealand Warriors.
When they crossed for a try wide out 15 minutes into the second half to bridge the gap to just two the Sharks had high hopes of another upset victory, however a combination of clever Warrior attack and a couple of defensive lapses from the Cronulla side saw the home team run away with the match.
Overall it was again a performance that showed signs of what the young Sharks are capable of but unfortunately they couldnt sustain their effort for the full 80 minutes.
The match began in positive fashion for the Sharks when Nu Brown collected a grubber kick to score in just the third minute.
Jake Walsh converted and the Sharks had an early 6-0 lead.
The Warriors responded shortly after with a try out wide, before a second score, again down the Sharks right hand side, saw then jump out to a 10-6 advantage.
The Sharks stayed in the arm wrestle and were rewarded for their persistence when Levy Sopi won the race to a Walsh kick to cross in the corner and the scores were locked up at 10-apiece.
However with half time approaching the Sharks relaxed and paid the ultimate price when the Kiwis touched down for what in the context of a rugged first 40 minutes, could best be described as a soft try.
The kick at goal was on target and the home team would take a 16-10 lead to the break.
The early action in the second half was all about Sione Masima, with the Sharks back rower managing to burst through the opposition defense twice only for the last pass to go to ground on both occasions.
With his third line break however he wouldnt be denied, Masima running onto a short ball from Nesi Matiatonga before shrugging off the fullback and running 25 metres to score.
Walsh couldnt convert but with 25 minutes of the match remaining the Sharks were well and truly in the ball game at 16-14 down.
But almost as quickly as they had fought back into the contest another concentration lapse let them down and when the Warriors strolled through the middle of the ruck to score under the posts they would establish an eight point lead with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Another New Zealand try, this one after a strong charge from forward Sam Lisone and the home team had sealed the result in opening up a 28-14 lead, before the Kiwis crashed over for a late try in blowing the score out.
Masima was amongst the best for the Sharks with his attack down the left edge a feature, while forwards Sorenson, Jack Broughton and Michael Morris worked hard defensively.
The Sharks will remain in 15th position on the ladder after the loss. They play the Newcastle Knights at Remondis Stadium in their next match.
SHARKS 14
Levy Sopi, Faamanu Brown, Sione Masima tries. Jake Walsh goal
lost to
WARRIORS 34
Sione Feao 2, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrad, Braxton Stanley, Sam Cook, Sam Lisone tries, Tuimoala Lolohea 5 goals
When they crossed for a try wide out 15 minutes into the second half to bridge the gap to just two the Sharks had high hopes of another upset victory, however a combination of clever Warrior attack and a couple of defensive lapses from the Cronulla side saw the home team run away with the match.
Overall it was again a performance that showed signs of what the young Sharks are capable of but unfortunately they couldnt sustain their effort for the full 80 minutes.
The match began in positive fashion for the Sharks when Nu Brown collected a grubber kick to score in just the third minute.
Jake Walsh converted and the Sharks had an early 6-0 lead.
The Warriors responded shortly after with a try out wide, before a second score, again down the Sharks right hand side, saw then jump out to a 10-6 advantage.
The Sharks stayed in the arm wrestle and were rewarded for their persistence when Levy Sopi won the race to a Walsh kick to cross in the corner and the scores were locked up at 10-apiece.
However with half time approaching the Sharks relaxed and paid the ultimate price when the Kiwis touched down for what in the context of a rugged first 40 minutes, could best be described as a soft try.
The kick at goal was on target and the home team would take a 16-10 lead to the break.
The early action in the second half was all about Sione Masima, with the Sharks back rower managing to burst through the opposition defense twice only for the last pass to go to ground on both occasions.
With his third line break however he wouldnt be denied, Masima running onto a short ball from Nesi Matiatonga before shrugging off the fullback and running 25 metres to score.
Walsh couldnt convert but with 25 minutes of the match remaining the Sharks were well and truly in the ball game at 16-14 down.
But almost as quickly as they had fought back into the contest another concentration lapse let them down and when the Warriors strolled through the middle of the ruck to score under the posts they would establish an eight point lead with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Another New Zealand try, this one after a strong charge from forward Sam Lisone and the home team had sealed the result in opening up a 28-14 lead, before the Kiwis crashed over for a late try in blowing the score out.
Masima was amongst the best for the Sharks with his attack down the left edge a feature, while forwards Sorenson, Jack Broughton and Michael Morris worked hard defensively.
The Sharks will remain in 15th position on the ladder after the loss. They play the Newcastle Knights at Remondis Stadium in their next match.
SHARKS 14
Levy Sopi, Faamanu Brown, Sione Masima tries. Jake Walsh goal
lost to
WARRIORS 34
Sione Feao 2, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrad, Braxton Stanley, Sam Cook, Sam Lisone tries, Tuimoala Lolohea 5 goals
