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The Cronulla Sharks have recorded a thrilling two-point victory in one of the games of the season at Southern Cross Group Stadium over the Penrith Panthers, with goal kicking being the difference.
In a game where incredible play seemed to follow incredible play, the Sharks were ahead by six points with just five minutes to go, before the Panthers pulled off what could be the try of the season, only for Jamie Soward to miss the goal kick.
REPORT: PANTHERS LOSE ANOTHER THRILLER
The Sharks defence was what won them the game though. Their first half effort was perfect, as they defended their goal line for set after set during the first half, holding the Panthers scoreless.
Cronulla opened the scoring in the third minute of action, as Michael Ennis crossed for what was a relatively soft try from dummy half. After a strong set where Cronulla raced down the field, it seemed to set the tempo for the first half.
What was a little unforeseen though is just how much time the Panthers would spend camped on the Sharks line. Every time the Sharks got the ball they found it easy going, and the Panthers struggled with their execution of plays.
With another couple of penalty goals the Sharks were able to take an 8-0 lead into the half time break.
Matt Moylan sparked to life in the second half and the Panthers pulled off some absolutely incredible tries to get back in the game. They would score 14 unanswered points to hit the lead, with Jamie Soward’s kicking game paving the way.
When the Sharks eventually hit back and got some momentum into their attack a lot of it was down to the running game of Chad Townsend, and the excellent work of Ben Barba.
The first try for Penrith came to Matthew Moylan just six minutes after half time. After a period of end to end play, with Soward bombs challenging the Cronulla back three, he put one up from about 40 metres out. Soisaia Feki allowed it to his his boot, and the ensuing rebound was enough for Matt Moylan to run onto it and score.
Issah Yeo was in just seven minutes later with a nice ball out the back to Moylan who took on the line and delivered a flat ball. From there, it was a formality that Yeo would crash over.
James Fisher Harris scored in the 62nd minute, and at the time it looked like the try scoring effort wouldn’t be beaten. They went right to Bryce Cartwright, who then flicked it back inside for Yeo. He got to Barba before passing backinsde for Soward, who then partially slipped over and passes the ball back to Fisher Harris for the try in the corner.
James Maloney then bounced back for Cronulla with Chad Townsend putting the foot down and breaking the line about 50 minutes out.
Valentine Holmes continued for the Sharks on the right hand side from an 80 metre run after Townsend spread it out of their own end with the Sharks right under the pump.
With the Sharks up by six it was desperation stakes for Penrith, and it was another try for James Fisher Harris in the 78th minute. The ball touched 11 sets of hands as it went left through Soward, then was flicked back on the inside. There would be three further flick passes before Fisher Harris crossed out wide in what could well be the try of the season.
With the goal kick missing, and the Panthers next attacking set being rather poor, the Sharks would hang on for the two point win.
Final Score
Cronulla Sharks 20
Penrith Panthers 18
The Cronulla Sharks have been one of the most in-form teams to start the NRL season, and they will look to keep that going when they host the unlucky Penrith Panthers in Round 8. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4pm (AEST).
Starting with the hosts, and what a start to season 2016 it has been for them. They have won five of the first seven matches, and with a very healthy for and against it leaves them sitting right up the top end of the table in third position.
They have also won their last four matches in a row, although considering they lost two of their first three and have beaten the likes of the Wests Tigers, Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders there still must be questions asked.
It was the first win in this run that made you sit up and take notice though as they defeated the Melbourne Storm in a low-scoring, hard-fought contest. Their defence was excellent as they held the Storm to just six points, and it is a trend that hasn’t reversed.
Last week though, it was their attack that stood out as they put 40 points on the Raiders.
The Panthers on the other hand, who have won three of their games and sit in 10th place on the competition table, have been up and down like a yo-yo. Unlucky could be the correct word to describe their early season fortunes, having every game decided by less than eight points.
They managed to beat the Brisbane Broncos by a point as Te-Maire Martin made his debut in Round 3, but it has been slim pickings since. They come into this off a win over the last-placed Sydney Roosters though – by only four points, and an awesome effort to hang on in the last 10 minutes.
Much of that win came down to the kicking game of Jamie Soward, and it will again have to be strong for the Panthers to compete here. James Maloney has also been in good form, but the key man is Ben Barba who has been one of the most dangerous attacking players in the competition and looks dangerous every time he touches the ball.
In team news, Luke Lewis replaces Joseph Paulo for Cronulla, while Elijah Taylor and Jeremy Latimore have been added to an extended six-man bench for Penrith.
Prediction
The Sharks have been in some hot form, and at home it’s hard to see them not getting the job done. Penrith haven’t been playing poorly by any stretch, but they need some fine tuning, and also need to learn how to win games under pressure on a consistent basis.
Sharks by 6.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this match from 4pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde