It took them to the final minute to seal the result, however the Jersey Flegg Sharks have returned to the winner’s circle with a 30-22 win over local rivals the Dragons in a match deferred from round four.
After consecutive losses, the young Sharks scored six tries in the eight point win, the last four-pointer coming as the fulltime siren was sounding, however as explained by coach Andrew Dallalana, it was the defensive effort of his team which proved the difference as they claimed their sixth win from eight matches this season.
“Both teams came ready to play, a local derby, the boys know each other, everyone was looking forward to it,” Dallalana began. “In patches we were a bit loose around the middle, but we did well to claw it back and in the end we defended quite well.
“They had a lot of shots at us on our line, but the boys kept turning up for each other and turned them away, which was pleasing.
“We didn’t have a lot of opportunities, but I thought the ones we did have we iced pretty well. We got a bit of joy at the end and it was pleasing for the guys that they finished on a high,” the coach added.
While the defensive performance in the middle of the field was crucial, it was the outside back to benefit, with centre Ben Lavender and winger Kristian Dixon notching try-scoring doubles, with Cain Barnes and Manaia Wairere also getting their names on the scorer list in a match played at the Collegians Sporting Complex in Figtree.
The Flegg Sharks sit in third position on the ladder, two points behind leader the Sydney Roosters.
Next up for the Sharks is a game against the Sea Eagles as the first match of three at Four Pines Park at Brookvale next Sunday, kicking off at 11.35am. A NSW Cup match between the Jet sand Blakctown, then the Sharks v Manly round 11 NRL game will follow.
SHARKS 30
Ben Lavender 2, Kristian Dixon 2, Cain Barnes, Manaia Wairere tries, Max Riolo 3 goals
beat
DRAGONS 22
Photos courtesy Steve Montgomerie, ourfootyteam.com