St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks: NRL live scores, blog
Roar Guru By Alan Nicolea, 15 Jul 2012 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru & Live Blogger
LIVE SCORES
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
St George-Illa. Vs. Cronulla |
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2012 NRL Premiership Season, 16 July, 2012 |
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| WIN Stadium, Wollongong, NSW | ||
| St George-Illa. 18 defeated Cronulla 10 | ||
| St George-Illa. | Cronulla | |
| 18 | FINAL SCORE | 10 |
| 3 | TRIES | 2 |
| 3/3 | CONVERSION KICKS | 1/2 |
| 0/0 | PENALTY GOALS | 0/0 |
| 0/0 | FIELD GOAL | 0/0 |
Top scorers:
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Important moments:
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| Referee: Ashley Klein |
| Touch judges: R Turner & Ricky McFarlane |
The St George Illawarra Dragons need to win at home today but will get no favours from a Cronulla Sharks outfit with high hopes of a top four finish. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm AEST.
Coming off a bye, the Dragons should be fresh and eager to play their best football against Cronulla this afternoon.
After succumbing to the Raiders a fortnight ago, St George Illawarra are running out of chances and need to string some wins together if they are a chance of making the finals.
Cronulla on the other hand are sitting nicely inside the top four after scrapping to a 14 all draw against the Roosters on Monday night.
Despite dominating territory and possession against the Roosters however, the Sharks did struggle to score points, raising concerns about their ability to put opposition to the sword when given the opportunity to do so.
Given that both teams can struggle to score points, expect today’s encounter to be a low scoring and closely fought affair.
Prediction
Key forwards Paul Gallen and Jeremy Smith remained sidelined for the Sharks and will be missed against the Dragons today.
Gallen and Smith are two of the NRL’s best yardage gainers and were heavily missed on Monday night against Sydney.
The Sharks forwards struggled to penetrate a Roosters defence that put themselves under enormous pressure due to ill discipline and a high error count.
The fact that the Roosters still managed to hang on for a draw however shows that Cronulla’s forwards struggled to provide halves Todd Carney and Jeff Robson with the platform necessary to orchestrate the attack.
Without Smith and Gallen in the line-up, the Sharks could struggle to match the more disciplined Dragons, who will be buoyed by a strong home crowd.
Dominating upfront however will mean nothing for the Dragons if they fail to score points today.
Steve Price’s men have struggled to click in attack over the past few weeks and will once again be made to work for their points today against a strong Sharks defence.
Cronulla have improved immeasurably in defence this season, and if halves Jamie Soward and Ben Hornby fail to find a way through the Cronulla wall, Dragons fans will have to brace themselves for another frustrating afternoon.
Although the Dragons are tough to beat at home, the Sharks are desperate to retain their place inside the top four, and with a game breaker like Carney in the line-up, Cronulla should have enough points in them to outlast the home side.
Sharks by 6
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The Crowd Says (83) | Page 1 of Comments
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4:52pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:52pm | Report comment
The Dragons keep their finals hopes alive after beating the Sharks by 8 points infront of a big home crowd. The Sharks certainly had their chances to win the contest in the second half but the Dragons defended very well when it mattered. The Dragons however were rewarded with a lucky try in the second half because Hornby’s pass to Merrin was forward. The referee however waved play on and the Dragons were awarded the try. Overall though it was a good tight game of football between two great rivals. Carney and Graham were strong for the Sharks yet again while Morris, Nightingale, Merrin, Fein and Rein were the Dragons best in my opinion. Good win for the Dragons without Soward today. Thanks for joining us for this live blog and we look forward to your companyn next time.
FULLTIME:
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:48pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:48pm | Report comment
80′ – Hornby kicks down field and Gordon now loses possession as he fails to regather the football and the Dragons will win the game here….
FULLTIME:
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:47pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:47pm | Report comment
79′ – Tupou with a bad pass and Cooper regathers possession and the Dragons will hold on and win here on the back of some great defence over the last few minutes….
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:45pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:45pm | Report comment
77′ – Young kicks the football out on the full and the Sharks get another chance to score a try here and make this interesting. The Roosters and Dragons have already got out of jail in similiar situations
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:45pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:45pm | Report comment
77′ – Robson with a grubber kick here and Nightingale runs back into the field of play and the Dragons stand firm in defence and looked to have secured a strong victory
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:43pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:43pm | Report comment
75′ – Creagh loses possession now and Wright regathers the football for Cronulla and time is their enemy now. Cronulla now win the penalty and will go back on the attack and there is still life yet in the Sharks
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:41pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:41pm | Report comment
73′ – Robson with a grubber kick and Morris does wonderfully well to regather and get back into the field of play. Great return by Morris and now the Dragons win the penalty there and they take a massive leap toward victory
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:40pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:40pm | Report comment
72′ – Sharks now win the penalty here and they will go right on the attack and have to score here one would think to really make this interesting.
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:39pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:39pm | Report comment
72′ – Have to say that the Dragons have attacked well without Soward today. I had my concerns as Fien kicks deep and finds Gordon who returns now. Dragons chase is on the mark
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:38pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:38pm | Report comment
71′ – Robson with a kick now and he finds touch and the Sharks need to race to the scrum feed here. Dragons with time on their side.
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:37pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:37pm | Report comment
70′ – Sharks need to score soon now otherwise the Dragons will just grind their way to a win. Dragons need an error free set here as Merrin makes strong yardage as Gordon now returns possession for the Sharks.
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:35pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:35pm | Report comment
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL – Stanley converts and the Dragons now lead 18-10. Huge lead with ten minutes remaining.
Dragons 18
Sharks 10
4:34pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:34pm | Report comment
TRY DRAGONS – Merrin scores for the Dragons and that’s a killer blow landed by the Dragons here…
Dragons 16
Sharks 10
4:33pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:33pm | Report comment
Gee Hornby’s pass was forward to Merrin but they can’t rule on that error…..
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:33pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:33pm | Report comment
VIDEO REFEREE – Hornby with a great ball and Merrin races away to score. Checking for obstruction….
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:32pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:32pm | Report comment
66′ – Sharks reaching the halfway here as Carney kicks deep and finds Nightingale who returns well for the Dragons. Dragons now starting to dominate territory yet again as they reach halfway
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:30pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:30pm | Report comment
NO TRY DRAGONS – Great second phase play from the Dragons there but Morris has his knees on the ground and the Sharks cover defence once again is up to the mark.
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:30pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:30pm | Report comment
VIDEO REFEREE – Morris on the wing looks to have scored in the corner but the cover defence from Cronulla has other ideas….
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:29pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:29pm | Report comment
64′ – Fien with a grubber kick and Gordon knocks the football into touch and the Dragons get a valuable scrum feed 10 metres out. Dragons right on the attack and this is the biggest set of the match now.
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:28pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:28pm | Report comment
63′ – Carney with a kick and he finds Vidot on the bounce and he returns possession. Real arm wrestle between two great rivals
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:27pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:27pm | Report comment
62′ – Stanley with a great run now and he finds Scott and the Dragons are on the attack now. Good second phase play. Hornby with a grubber kick but Gordon gets the football very well. Sharks hold on
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:26pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:26pm | Report comment
61′ – Vidot returns possession now as the Sharks chase well and tackle him. Game has lifted in intensity now
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:25pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:25pm | Report comment
59′ – Cooper now loses possession and the football goes into touch and the Dragons fall apart in attack there. Sharks are let off the hook and the Dragons may rue that opportunity later on.
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:23pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:23pm | Report comment
58′ – Sharks have dominated the past few minutes here but Hornby now makes a break but is tackled just in time. Fien with a kick and Wright gets the football but he is tackled in-goal and the Dragons get a much needed line drop-out. Great chase by the Dragons and great kick by Fien
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:21pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:21pm | Report comment
57′ – Graham with a pass to Tupou and he scores but the referee has ruled a forward pass and its a correct decision. Let off though for the Dragons there as the Sharks come to life.
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:20pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:20pm | Report comment
55′ – Sharks really needed to be the first to score here and they have. Robson now makes a break and he finds Gordon. Great bust and pass from Tupou who sent Robson on his way. Sharks on the attack as Vidot defuses a grubber kick and the Sharks get another repeat set here. Great set from the Sharks and they are right on the front foot here
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:18pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:18pm | Report comment
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL – Carney converts and its game on here at 12-10 Dragons! Tupou hit the gap superbly for the try.
Dragons 12
Sharks 10
4:17pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:17pm | Report comment
TRY SHARKS – Tupou scores a great try thanks to a great face ball from Carney. Terrific hitback and the Sharks are back!
Dragons 12
Sharks 8
4:16pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:16pm | Report comment
51′ – Robson with a grubber kick and Morris bats the football dead and the Sharks will get a repeat set here. Their fifth of the afternoon. Sharks building nice pressure
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:14pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:14pm | Report comment
50′ – Penalty to the Sharks now and a try here will really make this interesting. Carney and Robson need to take control here
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:13pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:13pm | Report comment
49′ – Scott with a bad ball and Nightingale loses possession and the Sharks survive in a big moment there. Dragons have let the Sharks off the hook there big time
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:12pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:12pm | Report comment
48′ – Young kicks deep and Wright now breaks through and returns very well for the Sharks. Fifita now throws a forward pass and the Dragons will go right on the attack. If the Dragons score here and I think it will be too difficult for the Sharks to fight back
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:11pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:11pm | Report comment
47′ – Robson with a bomb and Nightingale yet again takes the football with no pressure on him. Too one dimensional from the Sharks at the moment and the Dragon have all the answers
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:10pm | Report comment
46′ – Fien with a grubber but it sits up nicely for Wright. Sharks finally start a set in good field position here and need to make the most of such a start
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:09pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:09pm | Report comment
45′ – Robson with a bomb but Nightingale takes it well yet again. Very safe under the high ball is Nightingale. Dragons looking solid today
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:08pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:08pm | Report comment
44′ – Hornby with a long kick and Wright returns possession now and he runs well.
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:07pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:07pm | Report comment
43′ – Robson with a kick and Vidot has to run back into his in-goal and the Sharks have a chance to muscle up in defence here
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:07pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:07pm | Report comment
42′ – Dragons continue with their expansive ball movement and are playing well without Soward and Stanley. Vidot then goes close to scoring as he regathers a bomb but is tackled just short. Sharks with the handover
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:06pm | Report comment
41′ – Sharks reach the halfway here as Vidot fields a kick. Sharks need to really muscle up upfront because they failed to make strong territory in that first half
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
4:04pm
Alan Nicolea said | 4:04pm | Report comment
SECOND HALF KICKOFF – Sharks with possession
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
3:53pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:53pm | Report comment
The Sharks head into halftime with their heads down after the Dragons scored right on halftime thanks to a shocking pass from Carney that found Morris who raced away to score. The Dragons now have a valuable eight point advantage after struggling to penetrate a strong Sharks defence. Cronulla would have been the happier of the two sides heading into halftime, given that were behind the 8 ball in regards to territory and possession. That late try however by Morris means the Dragons head in with the momentum and the Sharks will really have to muscle up if they are to win today.
HALFTIME:
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
3:51pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:51pm | Report comment
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL – Stanley converts and its 12-4 Dragons. What a way to end the first half! A cruel blow for the Sharks.
HALFTIME:
Dragons 12
Sharks 4
3:49pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:49pm | Report comment
TRY DRAGONS – Carney with a horrible pass and Morris regathers the football and races away to score a huge try on halftime!
Dragons 10
Sharks 4
3:49pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:49pm | Report comment
39′ – Carney with another grubber and Hornby forces the football and he regains possession for the Dragons. Great defence from the Dragons to deny Cronulla who attacked for three straight sets. Fien kicks deep now and finds Wright on the full.
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:47pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:47pm | Report comment
37′ – Graham with another grubber and the Sharks will get a repeat set here. Great scramble from the Dragons there particularly from Rein who denied Robson with a great tackle. Sharks turning the screws now
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:45pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:45pm | Report comment
36′ – Carney with a chip bomb and Stanley knocks the football dead and the Sharks get a repeat set here. A try here and the Sharks will hit the lead against the run of play here!
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:44pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:44pm | Report comment
34′ – Robson with a kick and he finds Nightingale who nearly reaches the halfway. Dragons have had a monopoly on good territory in the first half but have failed to take advantage. Scott now loses possession and the Sharks are back with possession in nice field position
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:42pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:42pm | Report comment
32′ – Dragons with a forward pass here and another attacking chance goes begging for the home side. Sharks will certainly be the happier heading into halftime.
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:40pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:40pm | Report comment
31′ – Carney with a bomb now and the Dragons get the penalty here after Stanley was taken out of the action here.
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:39pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:39pm | Report comment
29′ – Fien with a kick and he finds touch. Dragons with a chance to regroup in defence and assess a tight contest here
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:38pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:38pm | Report comment
28′ – Sharks finally have some momentum here as they make nice yardage. Robson kicks high but Nightingale regathers possession well for the Dragons. Sharks hit back well and are slowly regaining some field position
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:36pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:36pm | Report comment
CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL – Carney misses
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
The Sharks have hardly attacked in the first half but are within reach of the Dragons here despite the home side dominating possession and territory.
3:35pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:35pm | Report comment
TRY SHARKS – Graham very strong there and he scores a huge try for Cronulla
Dragons 6
Sharks 4
3:34pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:34pm | Report comment
VIDEO REFEREE – Graham too strong and he breaks several tackles and scores! Checking for grounding…
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:34pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:34pm | Report comment
25′ – Carney goes straight through as he dummies his way through and passes to Best who nearly scores. Sharks on the attack as Robson puts in a grubber kick and Nightingale regathers possession. Sharks however get the line drop-out and Cronulla go on a rare attack
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:32pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:32pm | Report comment
23′ – Dragons still only lead six nil despite dominating possession and territory. Their dominance is not reflected on the scoreboard and the Sharks now get the penalty here. Sharks survive yet again
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:30pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:30pm | Report comment
21′ – Robson with a cross field kick and Nightingale takes the football very well under pressure and its a 20 metre restart. Dragons now win the penalty for offside against Cronulla.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:29pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:29pm | Report comment
20′ – Dragons are throwing caution to the wind with their ball movement and its paying dividends at the moment. The Sharks however are scrambling very well in defence but they are on the back foot territory wise. Carney’s kick is charged down and the Sharks get six more tackles.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:27pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:27pm | Report comment
19′ – Rein with another break here and he nearly scores. Terrific start from Rein today up the middle. He is causing havoc around the ruck area. Knock on by the Dragons however and the Sharks once again hold on in defence. Great defence from Cronulla.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:26pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:26pm | Report comment
17′ – Pomeroy taps the football back in but the referee rules a knock on. Let off there for the Dragons because they failed to find touch but luckily they get the scrum.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:24pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:24pm | Report comment
16′ – Pomeroy fails to handle a Gordon pass and the Dragons survive in defence. Sharks have had trouble cracking the opposition line over the past few weeks. Dragons now get the penalty and they will go down field yet again.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:23pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:23pm | Report comment
15′ – Vidot goes on a run downfield but he throws a shocking pass that finds the turf and Graham regathers possession for the Sharks. Cronulla now finally over the halfway
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:23pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:23pm | Report comment
14′ – Carney kicks early but the Dragons regather through Nightingale and the Dragons continue to dominate territory. Carney’s kick was a good one though.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:22pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:22pm | Report comment
13′ – Wright regathers possession for the Sharks here but Cronulla are pinned down in their own half here and need to start making territory
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:21pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:21pm | Report comment
12′ – Carney kicks deep and finds Morris who has started well for the Dragons. Dragons still dominating field position here and the Sharks are on the back foot.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:20pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:20pm | Report comment
11′ – Morris is tackled as the Sharks scramble well yet again in defence. Dragons though are asking alot of questions but the Sharks get the changeover.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:19pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:19pm | Report comment
10′ – Robson kicks deep and finds Vidot who returns possession now. Dragons have played the more attacking football today and look likely to break the line at the moment
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:18pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:18pm | Report comment
9′ – Dragons have dominated territory since conceding the kickoff to the Sharks. Its all the Dragons at the moment as Hornby kicks deep and finds Wright. Dragons muscling up in defence
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:17pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:17pm | Report comment
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL – Stanley converts and its 6 nil Dragons. Chase was the player who converted the try.
Dragons 6
Sharks 0
3:15pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:15pm | Report comment
TRY DRAGONS – Rein scores the opening try here as he opens the Sharks up there. Too strong!
Dragons 4
Sharks 0
3:14pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:14pm | Report comment
7′ – Carney with a deep kick but he finds Nightingale on the full and the Dragons have dominated territory here.
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:14pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:14pm | Report comment
6′ – Stanley now is getting stretched off here and the Dragons suffer another cruel blow in attack with Soward already not playing. Bad news for the Dragons as the Sharks work it out from their own half.
3:12pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:12pm | Report comment
Kyle Stanley now is down injured and it looks like a knee injury. Calling for the stretcher and that’s not a good sign for the Dragons.
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:12pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:12pm | Report comment
6′ – Great scramble defence from the Sharks here as the Dragons try to stretch Cronulla at every opportunity. Dragons trying to make a statement in attack but Stanley throws the football over the sideline. Sharks with possession
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:10pm | Report comment
4′ – Robson with a kick and Vidot returns well for the Dragons. Just to let you know that the video referee is out of power at the moment. The scoreboard is also not operating here. Dragons right on the attack here as the Sharks forced the grubber and concede the line dropout.
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:08pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:08pm | Report comment
2′ – Great set by the Dragons here and they are on the attack as they go 90 metres. Hornby with a grubber and Wright does well to regather the football. Entertaining start from the Dragons
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:07pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:07pm | Report comment
2′ – Bakuya loses possession and the Dragons survive. Nightingale the most relieved man on the field at the moment.
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:06pm | Report comment
1′ – The kickoff has gone dead here and the Sharks will get the line drop-out. Nightingale failed to read the football in the air and the Sharks are right on the attack now. What a start!
3:05pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:05pm | Report comment
KICKOFF – Dragons with possession
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:04pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:04pm | Report comment
Both teams making their way out now…
Dragons 0
Sharks 0
3:02pm
Alan Nicolea said | 3:02pm | Report comment
There is a blackout at the stadium here and we have no power. Wonder what went wrong?
2:54pm
Alan Nicolea said | 2:54pm | Report comment
Good afternoon and welcome to this live NRL blog covering a crucial derby between the Sharks and Dragons. The Dragons have suffered a huge blow heading into this contest with Soward a late withdrawal. Can the Dragons attack well without Soward today or will the class of Carney guide the Sharks to another valuable victory? This should be a close contest so leave your thoughts on the match as it happens.
2:49pm
Alan Nicolea said | 2:49pm | Report comment
BIG CHANGES: Soward is OUT for the Dragons today. Stanley is in and Young starts on the bench. De Belin is at lock. Sharks – Frizell is out and Tupou is in.