With their defensive effort again leading the way, the Jersey Flegg Sharks have continued their undefeated start to the 2018 season with a 16-10 victory over the New Zealand Warriors.
In registering their sixth win, to go alongside a draw and a bye, the Sharks under-20's proved their resilience and commitment once more, holding the Kiwi side scoreless in the second half of the contest.
Played in wet and blustery conditions at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, the Warriors opened the scoring with a try in the ninth minute, before the Sharks would respond, highly rated young centre Bronson Xerri getting across the stripe to level the scores.
With defence dominating and the attack of both teams limited in the conditions, it would take until the 35th minute for the Sharks to cross again, this time hooker Harrison Smith scoring, the try converted by Braydon Trindall and the visiting team was up 10-4.
Shortly after they would go further ahead courtesy of a try to lock Monty Raper, Trindall adding the extras and it appeared as if the Sharks would go to the break with a handy 12-point advantage.
The Warriors however had other ideas, a try and goal on the stroke of half time narrowing the margin, with the Sharks up 16-10 after the opening period.
Again leaning on their defensive qualities the Sharks were able to keep their opponents scoreless in the second half and despite not being able to add to their own total, did enough to notch an important win on the road.
Now on 15 points through the first eight rounds, the Flegg Sharks sit along on top of the competition table, one point ahead of the second-placed Newcastle Knights.
The Flegg Sharks now have a couple of weeks off as the competition takes a break, with their next assignment a match against the Sydney Roosters on May 19.
SHARKS 16 Bronson Xerri, Harrison Smith, Monty Raper tries, Braydon Trindall 2 goals beat WARRIORS 10
