After a slow start, the Jersey Flegg Sharks dominated the second half to score a monstrous 46-10 win over the Silktails in a physical battle at Sharks Stadium on Thursday night.
While the Fijian team drew first blood after a tense opening period, Cronulla's under 21s fought back to lead 10-6 at half-time.
They piled on seven tries when play resumed to career away with the victory, catapulting them back into first place on the ladder pending other results.
The sides traded blows with solid defence and attack to begin proceedings. The Sharks almost got across in the 13th minute, however they were taken into touch by the unbreakable Silktails defensive line.
Cronulla suffered an unfortunate loss midway through the first half with prop Felix Faatili exiting the field after a head knock when making a tackle.
The Silktails cracked the Sharks' defence in the 27th minute with second-rower Isoa Lakepa barging over. Halfback Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei added the extras and put his team in front 6-0.
In the 33rd minute, Cronulla hit back with their first try as five-eighth Taj Ford crossed just left of the posts. Halfback Riley Pollard converted, levelling the scores five minutes before the break.
Capitalising on strong attacking momentum, Sharks fullback Adrian Sandy slid over for a four-pointer. Pollard could not convert, the score remaining 10-6 in favour of the home side on the stroke of half-time.
Cronulla came out firing in the second term with playmaker Pollard, returning from NSW Cup duties with the Newtown Jets, marching over the line in the 42nd minute. Pollard converted his own try, stretching the Sharks' lead out to 10 points.
Once again breaking through the Silktails was second-rower Lajuan Vito in the 46th minute. Pollard slotted the goal, giving the Sharks a 22-6 lead.
The home side continued their relentless attack when they scored a third try via captain Samuel McCulloch in the 52nd minute. Pollard piloted the ball through the sticks and Cronulla now led by 22 points.
Minutes later, the boys in blue went in under the posts for their sixth of the evening, hooker Jai Camilleri grabbing his first try for the night. Pollard added to his record and the home side now led 34-6.
In the returning set after the kick off, Sandy found a gap and took the opportunity, sprinting 60 metres downfield to collect his second. Pollard once again kicked it over the black dot to secure a commanding 40-6 lead.
The Silktails did not give up the fight and claimed a second four-pointer in the 69th minute to centre Asalusi Nagicu.
However, Cronulla showed no remorse when replacement Elijah Paea went in with only six minutes remaining. Pollard converted, making it seven from eight, highlighting the Sharks' ruthless performance.
The Sharks face the Storm next week in a top-of-the-table clash in Broadmeadows.
