In a heartbreaking finish the NYC Sharks have given up a try with only two minutes left on the clock in going down by 38-34 to the Parramatta Eels.
The Sharks appeared to have snatched a come from behind win with a try to Jake Lawrence five minutes from time, however an error then a Eels try from a cross field kick have seen them snatch victory.
In a sea-sawing game the lead and momentum shifted a number of times, with the Sharks doing well to fight their way back into the match after trailing by as many as 14, only to see the Eels steal the points with the late try.
It was the perfect possible start for the Sharks with debutant Jamayne Isaako getting over the line with his teams’ first set of six with the football.
Valentine Holmes converted from the touchline and the Sharks had an early 6-0 lead.
With their tails up the Sharks continued to press and backing up in the middle of the park it was Holmes who added to the advantage, racing 45 metres to score under the posts.
With the conversion the Sharks were up by 12 and things got even better a short time later, a second Holmes try, with another trademark show of his electric speed, the two points again added and at 18-0 a big night appeared likely for the Cronulla side.
From there however the momentum shifted in a big way, with the Eels scoring three times to trail 18-16, before another converted try had them in from 22-18 at the half time break.
The Eels went further ahead and led 28-18, then 32-18 and it seemed as if they would run away with the game, but the showing good resolve the Sharks battled back when Jaden Clarke barged over to narrow the margin.
A short time later a runaway try to speedy winger Dallas Wells gave the Sharks some heard and when Jake Lawrence ran a great line off a Clarke short ball, a big come-from-behind win appeared likely.
Unfortunately on this occasion it wasn’t to be, with the Eels winning the in-goal scramble for the ball to score the match winner with time running out.
The Sharks tried the short kick off but the Eels successfully claimed the football with the clock ticking down on a Parramatta victory.
The Sharks put in plenty of effort, with three players from the SG Ball, Isaako, Connor Tracey and Jayden Brailey able to hold their heads high after competing strongly at the higher level.
Remaining on six competition points the Sharks will be looking to string a couple of wins together in the coming weeks in a bid to stay in touch with the top eight. Their next assignment is against the Wests Tigers on Saturday night.
SHARKS 34
Valentine Holmes 2, Jamayne Isaako, Dallas Wells, Jake Lawrence, Jaden Clarke tries, Holmes 5 goals
Lost to
PARRAMATTA 38