A Tom Caughlan try just five minutes from time has seen the Jersey Flegg Sharks escape with an 18-16 win over the New Zealand Warriors to remain on top of the under 20's competition ladder.
The ladder-leading Sharks had their hands full with a committed Warriors outfit, with the late Caughlan try and subsequent conversion, along with a three-try effort from winger Josh Delailoa, getting the young Cronulla side over the line.
When Delailoa crossed in the 16th minute to put his team in front, the Sharks side perhaps weren't ready for what was to follow against a New Zealand team sitting ninth on the Flegg table.
If the Sharks didn't know what they were in for, they had a good idea following a 26th minute converted try from the Kiwis which put them 6-4 up, a lead they would take to the half time break.
The Sharks looked to have blown the game open with two more Delailoa touchdowns early in the second period to go 12-6 in front, an advantage which could have been greater had goal kicker Jonaiah Lualua been on target in the blustery conditions at Henson Park.
The Warriors however refused to roll over and responded with a try to Selestino Ravutaumada in narrowing the margin to just two, before Isaiah Vagana put his team in front, the conversion putting the New Zealand up 16-12 and an upset was on the cards.
Showing good character the Sharks hung in, the Caughlan try, with Lualua kicking the goal that mattered and the Cronulla team had claimed a hard fought two competition points.
With the victory the Sharks maintained their two point break at the top of the table with their next assignment a game against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night.
The Sharks v Eels Flegg match will be played as the curtain-raiser to the NRL clash between the same two teams, with kick off at 3.00pm.
