In backing up their first win of the 2015 season the week prior, the under 16 Matthews Cup Sharks have scored an impressive 40-14 win over the Newcastle Knights.
A game were the two teams were perhaps more evenly matched than the final score may have indicated, the Sharks wrapped up the win with four tries, some of them spectacular long-range efforts, in the final 15 minutes.
It was a win which consolidated the Sharks spot inside the top eight and sets them on a course for a run to the competition finals with four rounds remaining.
The Sharks began strongly and were well in control of proceedings in the first half, going to the break 22-4 up on the strength of tries to five eighth Kai Broadhurst, centre Semisi Kioa, prop Fine Kula and backrower Jay Shearman.
Responding to what would have been a lively half time address the Knights came out and pressured the young Sharks with the momentum shifting in their favour.
An early try to their gun five eight Tex Hoy narrowed the margin to 12 points and it was only some desperate Sharks defense that kept it from being even tighter.
Kioa gave the Sharks some breathing space with a sparkling 40-metre individual effort to take the score out to 28-10 and while Hoy was able to grab a second to make it 28-14, that would be as close as the visitors would get.
Further tries to Metlcalf, who showed great speed to spring away from the Knights defense, then Bronson Xerri backing up a Kioa line break and the Sharks had registered a win which is sure to give them a shot of confidence heading into the business end of the season.
The Sharks had a host of impressive performers, with Kioa devastating on the left hand side, while Dylan Smith in his second game at fullback was safe while being dangerous with ball in hand.
Sharks coach Glenn Brailey will now try to get his teams’ feet back on the ground and get them back to work at training this week ahead of a tough road trip next weekend when they face the Raiders in Canberra.
SHARKS 40
Semisi Kioa 2, Bronson Xerri, Kai Broadhurst, Jay Shearman, Fine Kula, Luke Metcalf tries, Metcalf 6 goals
Beat
NEWCASTLE 14
Tex Hoy 2, Callum Wesley tries, Hoy goal
