Sharks score a strong win on the eve of Finals

Sharks will head into week one of the Finals following a showstopping performance against the Bulldogs in their clash at Accor Stadium on Saturday night.

The Sharks capped off a memorable regular season with a backline masterclass, led by the likes of Daniel Atkinson and Will Kennedy, the Cronulla side scoring an impressive 24-6 win that is sure to give them confidence leading into their finals campaign.

What started out as an even battle quickly turned in favour of the visitors with their first try of the evening in the 25th minute, and from that moment until the final siren, the Sharks never looked like letting their opponents back into the contest.

Cronulla’s resilience was continuously tested for the opening 20 minutes until a penalty awarded to the Sharks for a dangerous tackle piggy backed them into try-scoring range, and following repeat sets it was second rower Billy Burns who found a hole in the defence before waltzing his way over the line. 

In his 150th game for the black, white and blue, centre Jessie Ramien snatched a try after a line break down the eastern touchline and an inside ball from his right edge partner Sione Katoa. Halfback Nicho Hynes added the extras, pushing Cronulla’s lead out to 12-0.

The boot of five-eighth Atkinson would then testing the Bulldogs defence and following a robust tackle from Teig Wilton, which forced the ball from the grasp of Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey, and it was Captain Blayke Brailey on the spot and fortunate enough to clean up the ball and slide over to the left of the sticks. 

The conversion gave the Sharks an 18-0 lead. 

The Bulldogs posted their only points early in the second period when a missed opportunity for the Sharks, turned into Canterbury winger Enari Tuala claiming a loose ball and sprinting 90 meters to touch down wide out. Five-eighth Matt Burton slotted the goal, bringing the score back to 12 points the difference.

While the Bulldogs were showing glimpses of their best, this didn’t rattle Cronulla who kept turning them away, and a line break from winger Ronaldo Mulitalo followed by an inside ball to Atkinson resulted in their fourth try of the evening. 

Hynes added the two points once again, stretching their advantage out to 24-6.

Things continued to go downhill for the Bulldogs who were unable to complete their sets while continuing to turn over possession.

While the Bulldogs showed no signs of giving up, throwing everything they had at the Sharks, it just wasn’t enough to crack the rock solid defence of the Cronulla side who delivered a gritty, determined performance.

The Sharks finished the regular season in fifth position and will now host the Sydney Roosters in week one of the NRL Finals series.