NRL round 25: Sharks shock Titans
The Cronulla Sharks were able to upset the Gold Coast Titans at home in Toyota Stadium over the weekend.
The Sharks shocked the Titans with an impressive victory, which saw the home side register five tries on the day. The Sharks got out to a quick start and were able to take a 12 points lead into half-time. After the break the home side continued to dominate adding to their lead with impressive kicking, finishing off a 30-16 victory.
Recap
The Sharks burst out of the gates with a try and conversion from Luke Covell in the game’s sixth minute to give the home side a 6-0 lead.
The Sharks kept the pressure on, recording another try in the 17th minute when Nathan Gardner was able to dance his way over the line. Covell registered his second conversion of the day extending the lead to 12-0.
The Titans fought back, however with a try from Bodene Thompson in the 29th minute, and after a conversion from Scott Prince, the deficit was reduced to 12-6.
Nevertheless, the hosts were able to extend their lead once again, this time just before half-time, as Paul Gallen managed his way over the whitewash and Covell continued his impressive day at the tee, notching another conversion and bringing the score to 18-6 at the break.
After the half, Thompson was able to dart his way over the try-line for the Titans` second score of the day in the 49th minute. Prince tallied his second conversion and the game was brought to 18-12.
However, the Cronulla side was able to get on the board next with a try from Tim Smith and conversion from Covell in the 57th minute making the match 24-12.
The game was put away by Luke Douglas who pushed his way over the line in the 69th minute, and after Covell hit his impressive fifth conversion on the day, the Sharks had a 30-12 lead.
Jordan Atkins would punch his way over the line late for the Titans. However, it would never be enough as the Sharks cruised to an impressive 14-point upset.
Analysis
The win for the Sharks is simply another notch to put on their belts as they were eliminated from post-season contention several rounds ago. Prior to their victory over the Titans the Sharks had been having a difficult time playing the role of the spoiler. However, they now have an opportunity to build on their recent success in time for their final match.
The Titans meanwhile passed up a perfect occasion to seal home field advantage. They will need to win their final match of the season if they hope to sit fourth going into the play-offs
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