In a dominating performance the Matthews Cup Sharks have scored an impressive 42-0 victory over the St George Dragons, with the win confirming their place in the upcoming finals series with one round of the regular season left to be played.
In an entertaining performance the Sharks threw the ball around despite the slippery conditions and dominated their opponents throughout, with the only negative being a sloppy finish to the game which saved the Dragons from even further embarrassment.
The start of the match didn’t provide too much of a pointer for what was to come, with the teams seeming to be evenly match as the Sharks held a narrow 4-0 lead after the opening 20 minutes.
From there however they lifted a notch and three more first half tries, all converted by half back Luke Metcalf, taking the young Sharks out to a match-winning 22-0 advantage at the break.
One of the Sharks three tries was scored by Metcalf after a spectacular 60-metre individual effort, while centre Bronson Xerri crossed for two of what would be three tries for the youngster on the day.
Coming out for the second period with renewed vigour the Dragons threatened early, but after weathering the storm the next 15 minutes were one way traffic, three more Sharks tries taking the score line out to 38-0, sealing the result and a finals berth for the under 16 Cronulla side.
The final 15 minutes was marred by errors, with coach Glenn Brailey certain to be happy with the victory, but slightly disappointed by the finish to the match, with a Jaemon Salmon try on the stroke of full time completing the scoring.
While 42 points will assist the Sharks for-and-against percentage should they finished tied with the other finals aspirants, keeping their opponents to zero would also have pleased the Matthews Cup coaching staff, especially with their effort late in the game when the Dragons enjoyed a lions-share of the possession.
The Matthews Cup Sharks move to 11 competition points and with a victory over Souths in their last match could wind up as high as fourth on the final competition ladder.
SHARKS 42
Bronson Xerri 3, Jack Gould, Luke Metcalf, Tamati McCausland, Jaemon Salmon, Trace Davidson tries, Metcalf 3, Kai Broadhurst 2 goals
Beat
St George 0
