The Jersey Flegg Sharks have scored a 28-14 trial match victory over the Bulldogs in an encouraging hit out ahead of the season kick off in two weeks time.
The Sharks scored five tries to three, big front rower Franklin Pele crossing the stripe twice in the Cronulla win.
Taking an 18-10 lead into the half time break, the Sharks maintained the momentum in notching two more four pointers after the break.
First points went to the Bulldogs, their half back Bailey Biondi-Odo showing good footwork to slice through, the number seven converting his own try for a 6-0 lead just three minutes into the match.
The Sharks then managed to gain some possession and field position and it was a well-weighted Angus Ernst kick which resulted in his teams first point, Jack Boyling winning the race to the ball and touching down centimetres from the dead ball line.
Kyle Pickering added the extras and it was 6-all after the opening 14 minutes.
Pele would be next to score, crashing over from close range for the first of his two tries, the Pickering conversion putting the Sharks up 12-6.
The Bulldogs would respond, lanky winger Lautia Moceidreke crossing wide out to narrow the margin to just two at 12-10 but it would be the Sharks bounce straight back, prop Tom Giles spinning through the defence before getting the ball down adjacent to the posts.
Pickering was successful with the kick and it was 18-10 Sharks at the half time break.
With both coaches making a number of changes the early exchanges in the second half were somewhat scrappy but it would be the Sharks to extend their lead 18 minutes into the period, Brisbane recruit Jack Martin on the end of a Bailey Cantrill grubber kick to score under the uprights.
Pickering kicked the simple conversion in taking his team out to a 24-10 advantage.
And when Pele scored a second, again from one of his typically physical charges, it was 28-10 Sharks and the result was almost confirmed.
The Bulldogs scored late through centre Kurt Picken in making the final score 28-14.
While at times poor handling would have frustrated Sharks coach Daniel Holdsworth, the defensive effort was commendable in giving the Cronulla team some encouragement going into the season-proper in two weeks.
SHARKS 28
Franklin Pele 2, Tom Giles, Jack Boyling, Jack Martin tries, Kyle Pickering 4 goals
Beat
BULLDOGS 14