The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were defeated 36-12 by the Cronulla Sharks in their Round 21 Jersey Flegg Cup clash at 4 Pines Park on Saturday.
Match: Sea Eagles v Sharks
Round 21 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
13th Position
away Team
Sharks
4th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Cronulla made a fast start, opening the scoring in the early stages when back-rower Yuri Hromow burst through the defensive line before sending prop Manako Piutau over for the opening try. Fullback Callum Grantham converted for a 6-0 lead.
The Sharks extended their advantage in the 12th minute after winger Pharrell Gray produced a strong individual effort, beating three defenders to score out wide. Grantham again added the extras to make it 12-0.
Piutau crossed for his second try of the afternoon in the 21st minute, powering through the middle of the field before Grantham's third successful conversion stretched the lead to 18-0.
Manly hit back in the 30th minute when Tamoko Berryman-Duff put in a clever grubber kick that lock William Lane chased through to score. Tenzin Contor converted to reduce the margin to 18-6.
The Sea Eagles closed the gap further just before half-time when back-rower Simon Green delivered a well-timed short ball for Max Davies to crash over. Contor's conversion cut the deficit to 18-12 at the break.
Cronulla regained control early in the second half, with Hromow crossing for his second try of the match. Grantham converted from in front to restore the Sharks' 12-point advantage at 24-12.
The visitors continued to build pressure and were rewarded in the 67th minute when halfback Liam Challenor created space for winger Richard Whalebone to score in the corner. Grantham maintained his perfect afternoon with the conversion to make it 30-12.
Centre Nikora Williams sealed the result late, capitalising on a Manly error to score the Sharks' sixth and final try. Grantham's sixth conversion completed the 36-12 victory.
The Sea Eagles have a bye next weekend before returning in Round 23 to face the Melbourne Storm as they look to bounce back.