The Sharks have scored a 12-point victory over the Gold Coast Titans in Round 6 of the National Youth Competition.
Trailing by 14 points with time dwindling, the young Sharks showed resilience and determination well beyond their years to reverse the momentum, and earn the two points.
The Titans got off to a dream start when they crossed adjacent to the posts to score inside the opening seven minutes.
Cameron Manicaros opened the accounts of the visitors through a barnstorming run to cross, with fullback Roberts-Davis adding the extra two.
The Titans would again cross for points through prop Kurt Bernard on the cusp of the 20-minute mark, with Roberts-Davis again making no mistake from the tee.
In a match where both sides were showing no signs of fear in attack, errors and ill-discipline crept into the contest as the forwards began to tire with half time in sight.
Returning halfback Rhys Davies took advantage of some lazy edge defence from the Titans, in splitting the line and proving too quick to earn the Sharks’ first points of the afternoon.
The try in the 31st minute was converted by Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga, in reducing the Sharks deficit to six.
In a move that would have no doubt disheartened Coach John Morris, the Sharks conceded a late first half try, as the Titans again extended their lead to double figures before the break.
And, when returning from the sheds, the Titans again crossed for an early try, to take their advantage to 14 points.
But not to lie down in the face of adversity, the NYC Sharks rose to the occasion to fight back, In scoring 20-straight points to record their fourth win of the season.
Flying centre Lachlan Stein set the tone for the comeback, with his 90-metre dash to score igniting the Sharks back into action.
Josh Tuilagi crossed soon after to bring back the Titans’ lead to just 4, before Stein again found points with a dashing effort down the Eastern touchline – levelling the scores at 20 with 10 to play.
The Sharks’ Jesse Savage scored with five minutes to play, and had looked to have sealed the Sharks win, before half-turn-fullback William Kennedy touched down late to ice the 12-point victory.
NYC CRONULLA SHARKS – 32
(Tries: Davies, Stein (2), Tuilagi, Savage, Kennedy | Goals: Aufuaga-Toomaga (4/6))
Def. GOLD COAST TITANS – 20
