A field goal just before the half time break has proved decisive, with the first placed Jersey Flegg Sharks holding on for a one-point win over the Raiders in Canberra.
The Sharks conceded a late try to their rivals in the match played in Belconnen, but the Kai Broadhurst field goal, in his first Jersey Flegg game of the season, ultimately proved to be the difference in the 25-24 triumph.
It was a win that kept the Jersey Flegg Sharks in first place on the competition ladder, four points clear of the second placed Newcastle Knights.
The Sharks had their hands full with a committed Raiders side in Canberra, an early Vito Tevaga try cancelled out when their opponents responded shortly after and it was 6-all 15 minutes into the match.
Hard-working front rower Monty Raper crossed for the Sharks second, converted by Jonaiah Lualua but when Canberra equalised it appeared the teams would go to the break with the scores level.
The Sharks moved into field position with time running out and five-eighth Broadhurst cleverly potted the field goal to give his team a narrow advantage heading to the break, but at the time nobody would have been aware just how crucial the one point would turn out to be.
Seemingly with the game in safe keeping following converted tries to hooker Isaac Longmuir and a second to Raper, the Raiders then caused Sharks coaching staff and fans a few anxious moments, however it would turn out to be too late for the home team, their last score coming with just a minute remaining.
Strongly positioned now for the run into the finals, the Sharks had set themselves up with a nice cushion ahead of the chasing pack.
The Flegg Sharks are the only Cronulla team in action this weekend. They play the North Sydney Bears at Storey Park, kicking off at 11.00am on Sunday.
SHARKS 25
Monty Raper 2, Vito Tevaga, Isaac Longmuir tries, Jonaiah Lualua 4 goals Kai Broadhurst field goal
beat
RAIDERS 24
