A dominant second half performance has seen the under-16 Matthew Cup Sharks score an impressive 34-12 victory over the Sydney Roosters in their round four match.
The Sharks were in control early, three tries seeing them race to a 14-0 advantage, however a lapse in concentration and some good ply from their opponents saw the Roosters cross the stripe twice to narrow the margin to just two points at the half time break.
Where the under-16 Sharks have failed to take advantage of winning opportunities in narrow losses over the past two weeks, this time around the they came out for the second period with plenty of intensity and purpose with their efforts quickly rewarded.
After a long break down the left hand side from centre Semisi Koa the Sharks went deep into attack it was five eight Kai Broadhurst who would capitalize, the youngster scoring from close range to extend the lead to 18-12.
With the conversion from half back Luke Metcalf it was 20-12 Sharks but the momentum and run of play was in their favour and continued to exploit the Roosters out wide with Jaemon Salmon striding out before sending Metcalf on a 30-metre run to the line to make it 26-12.
Not long after it Fine Kula crashing over adjacent to the posts to put the result beyond doubt.
A penalty goal to Metcalf made it 34-12 in completing the scoring.
While admitting his team had further improvement in them, Coach Glenn Brailey was pleased with the performance and happy to chalk up an important win which keeps his team within striking distance of the top eight.
“We were good after half time,” Brailey said. “I thought everybody did their job but if I was going to single anyone out it was the best performance from out halves so far this year.
“Hopefully Kia and Luke will get some confidence from today and continue to improve.”
With two points from a bye and two close losses before today’s victory the Matthews Sharks are now on four competition points after four rounds of the season.
Next week the Sharks Matthews boys play host to the Newcastle Knights at Remondis Stadium
Sharks 34
Fine Kula, Luke Metcalf, Kai Broadhurst, Jaemon Salmon, Jack Gould, Semisi Kioa tries, Metcalf 5 goals
defeated
Roosters 12
Photo courtesy - Steve Montgomery/ourfootyteam.com
