NRL round-22: Sharks vs. Warriors
The Sharks welcomed the Warriors to Toyota Stadium in Cronulla over the weekend for the second Saturday game.
The Sharks have taken the seat of spoilers, and with only five rounds remaining, they sat at the bottom of the table heading into their match-up against the Warriors.
The New Zealand side meanwhile was interested in keep up the strong play that has moved them into a play-off position late in the season.
Recap
The game was never in doubt as the Warriors stormed into Toyota Stadium and left with an impressive victory. At the end of the first half the New Zealand side was up by eight points, and they only increased their lead in the second half, taking the match by a score of 37-10.
The game seemed slow early on as neither side were able to make considerable gains, and questions were asked of both sides offensive abilities.
Nevertheless, in the 17th minute Brent Tate scored the opening points of the match for the Warriors, by crossing the line for a try. James Maloney kicked the conversion and the visitors found themselves with a 6-0 lead.
It looked as though the Sharks may have come to play that evening when Trent Barrett managed a try in the 24th minute, and Luke Covell scored a conversion to tie the game up early.
However, the Warriors did not take long to respond as Maloney scored a try and conversion to give the New Zealanders a 12-6 lead in the 33rd minute. Maloney then notched a penalty at the very end of the first half to give the Warriors a 14-6 lead heading into the break.
Early in the second half the Warriors were able to add to their lead with a Joel Moon try, and another Maloney conversion to make it 20-6 for the away team.
After the Moon score Bill Tupou took over, crossing the line in the 53rd minute and again in the 63rd, giving the New Zealand club a 30-6 lead.
The Sharks’ Paul Aiton stumbled over the whitewash for a try in the 72nd minute, but it was far too late. Tupou scored his third try of the day and Maloney added a conversion and a field goal to put the game on ice in the 77th minute.
The Warriors watched the clock run down on what was an impressive offensive day and a 37-10 victory over the Sharks.
Maloney and Tupou had outstanding games. Maloney scored a try, five conversions, a penalty and a field goal to put his name in every category of the score-sheet, and register 17 points on the night. Meanwhile, Tupou’s three tries, and 159 all-run-metres capped off an impressive day for the Warriors star.
Analysis
The Warriors are locked in a battle for the final play-off spot with a number of eager clubs. The win over the Sharks was a must for the New Zealand side. They will have to maintain their strong play if they hope to get into the post-season. They have another easy match-up next round when they take on the Knights at home.
The Sharks have nothing to lose heading into their final four games of the season, and one can bet that they will play hard in next weeks match-up against the Roosters.
Tags: