Following on from an impressive first-up trial performance last week the Jersey Flegg Sharks have been soundly beaten by the Newcastle Knights in a match played at Maitland Sports Ground.
The Knights took a one-try advantage to the break, before running out 50-14 winners in an impressive second half display.
The Sharks fell behind 14-4 early, their points coming from a try to Josh Delailoa, before a late rally brought them level with half time approaching.
Tries to Tomas Harris and Jensen Taumoepeau, the second after an Angus Ernst line-break, made it 14-all, however just when it appeared the scores would remain locked, a try on the siren to big Knights back rower Ofa Manuofetoa, his second of the half, put the Knights on top 20-14.
With the Sharks committing far too many errors and the Newcastle side capitalising on their glut of possession, the Knights would continue their roll, pushing out to a commanding lead, four tries tries in the first 20-minutes of the half stretching the score out to 38-14.
The procession of Newcastle points continued with a soft try underneath the uprights, then a further four-pointer on the back of a repeat set completing the scoring, the final conversion racking up 50 points in a comprehensive Knight win.
After using 22 players in the trial coach Daniel Holdsworth has some work to do, but now has two weeks to decide on his best 17 before the start of the Flegg season.
The Flegg Sharks are drawn to play the North Sydney Bears in their first match, scheduled for Shark Park on Sunday, March 24.
Jersey Flegg
Sharks 14
Tomas Harris, Jensen Taumoepeau, Josh Delailoa tries, Jonah Ngaronoa goal
lost to
Knights 50
