With a tradesman-like performance, built on a strong fist half defensive effort, the Jersey Flegg Sharks have scored a 34-10 win over the Parramatta Eels to remain in top spot on the under-20’s ladder.
The young Cronulla side took an 12-0 advantage to the half time break before going on with the job in the second period, the Sharks holding their opponents scoreless for three quarters of the game then sealing the win with two late tries.
The Sharks were first on the board when Jack Boyling scored the first of what would be two tries for the back rower on the night, exploiting an overlap on the left hand side before touching down.
The conversion was successful from Jonaiah Lualua and the Sharks led 6-0.
Despite sitting outside the top eight and well below their opponents on the competition table the Eels weren't intimidated and went blow for blow with the home side but their confidence took a jolt when hooker Isaac Longmuir crossed just before the break and with the conversion the Sharks lead was doubled.
At 12-0 ahead the Sharks were looking to press home their advantage and they did just that when centre Vito Tevaga picked up a loose ball and ran 30-metres to score.
Again Lualua was on target and it was 18-0 Sharks five minutes into the second period.
The Eels would post their first points with a well worked backline move to make it 18-4, but their joy was short-lived, big front rower Franklin Pele responding with a Sharks try three minutes later.
The Eels would give themselves hope when Taufa Afu scored his second of the game in narrowing the margin to 24-10, but two more Sharks tries, the first to Boyling and last one to winger Josh Delailoa in confirming a solid Cronulla win.
Their eighth win in nine starts saw the Sharks moved to 18 competition points to remain clear in first position on the Flegg table.
SHARKS 34
Jack Boyling 2, Franklin Pele, Isaac Longmuir, Josh Delailoa, Vito Tevaga tries, Jonaiah Lualua 5 goals
beat
EELS 10
