The Jersey Flegg Sharks have given up a second half lead in going down by 26-14 to the competition leading Sydney Roosters.
The Sharks went in front 14-10 early in the second half, but from that point it was all the Roosters, three tries in the final 20-minutes of the match sealing a win that saw the under-21 Cronulla team slip to a third consecutive loss.
It was a disappointing final result for the Sharks team who had given themselves every chance through the opening three-quarters of the contest against one of the leading Flegg sides.
While the Roosters were first on the board, the Sharks bounced back almost straight away, Noah Lester scoring down the left-hand side and following an unsuccessful conversion attempt it was 6-4 to the visitors.
The Sharks would go in front following a long-range four-pointer, Jordan Samrani making a line break before finding Ryan Rivett in support with the Sharks half running the final 40-metres to score wide out.
Rivett’s kick at goal would drift wide with the Sharks in front 8-6.
The Roosters retook the lead with a 25th minute try, the teams going to the break with the Sharks trailing 10-8.
When Sam Healey dived over under the posts from dummy half, Rivett converting, the Sharks were on the front foot early in the second period at 14-10 ahead, but from there the Roosters asserted their dominance in claiming a 12-point victory.
With the loss the Flegg Sharks will retain their position inside the top eight but are in need of a win when next in action, which is against the Victorian Thunderbolts in two weeks time.
SHARKS 14
Noah Lester, Ryan Rivett, Sam Healey tries, Rivett goal
Lost to
ROOSTERS 26