Ball Sharks score gutsy come-from-behind win
A stirring second half fightback has seen the SG Ball Sharks score a thrilling 24-22 victory over a highly-rated Manly side in their round six clash at PointsBet Stadium.
The Sharks scored first but went to the break trailing by 16-6, then things got worse when they conceded the opening try of the second period to trail by 22-6, but from that point they clicked into gear in registering their second win in four matches to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the competition finals.
A key play in the game came with five minutes left on the clock, Jed Hardy pulling off a try-saver in the north-eastern corner of PointsBet Stadium with his team down by four, a tackle which kept the Sharks hopes alive.
From there they moved into opposition territory, were gifted a second set of six following a high tackle penalty against their opponents, before centre Ben Lavender showed great determination to get the ball down over the line despite the attention of three Manly defenders.
Five eighth Jake Hay calmed potted the go-ahead conversion, with the Sharks holding on for a win which will give them great confidence going into the final three rounds of the season.
The second half revival was started by a long range try to Chaz Jarvis, the Sharks utility backing up Noah Pentani after the centre had collected a smart short kick from Hay, then an 80-metre intercept four-pointer soon after from winger Kristian Dixon put the Cronulla side well and truly in with a chance of a come-from-behind win.
Manly tried to put the game away, the Hardy heroics kept the Sharks in the contest, before the match-winner with just two minutes left on the clock.
While their were few highlights in the first half, the Sharks had a number of inspirational performers in the second, none better than interchange players Jarvis who added spark and enthusiasm in the halves, and prop Sam McCullogh who toiled hard in the middle of the ruck.
Hay kicked smartly when it was needed late in the match, with prop Selesi Ataata outstanding in the second period in taking on the physically imposing Manly pack. Fittingly, with Manly pressing in the dying moments, Ataata was the man on the spot to dive on a loose pass in sealing the result.
Also special mention of replacement hooker Kynan Hodges who despite having very little football under his belt this season, played big minutes and performed well after coming on for injured number nine Kobie Wilson early in the contest.
The win saw the Ball Sharks go to seven competition points to sit equal sixth and within striking distance of a place in the finals series.
Next up is a home game on Saturday against the Raiders.
SHARKS 24
Kristian Dixon, Chaz Jarvis, Lawson Cotter, Ben Lavender tries, Jake Hay 4 goals
beat
MANLY 22
