Canberra remain in the hunt for a spot in the NRL finals after an unconvincing 20-13 win over Cronulla in the capital on Saturday night.

In a game highlighted by spite and dropped ball, the Raiders managed to hold it a little more with winger Daniel Vidot crossing for a try in both halves.

For the Sharks it was yet another loss, even with the motivation of playing for new coach Shane Flanagan after former mentor Ricky Stuart walked out on the club mid-week.

Playing in a white and blue charity strip, Canberra were a long way from the attacking machine that demolished Newcastle just six days ago.

At half-time Cronulla led 7-6 thanks to a Trent Barrett field goal on the siren but that advantage was lost in the 42nd minute when the Raiders opted to kick for goal from a penalty.

Jarrod Croker made it 8-7 and the Sharks never re-took the lead.

Croker ended up being the difference with the penalty and three conversions.

Canberra face a difficult run home with the Dragons, Storm and Penrith in the coming weeks.

Cronulla are second last on the ladder.

© AAP 2012

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