Josh Lambert dives in for his 2nd half try (Photo : OurFootyMedia)

Story By : Rob Willis Cronulla Sharks
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Although much improved on recent weeks the NYC Sharks have still gone away empty after giving up a try on the fulltime siren to be beaten 26-24 by the Canberra Raiders.

The Sharks battled hard against a Canberra side sitting second on the NYC ladder and an upset seemed on the cards with the Cronulla side ahead and visitors still in their own territory with less than two minutes of the match remaining.

Going short side Canberra chip kicked, the bounce was a wicked one for the Sharks and perfect for the Raiders as winger Jonathan Reuben pounced to collect the ball and run 40 metres to score.

The try was converted after the fulltime siren had sounded and the Raiders escaped with a two-point triumph.

The Sharks were on the board first through a try to Rea Pittman and further four pointer to Scott Sorenson, mirroring two tries from their opponents and the teams went to half time locked up at 10-all.

Three more Cronulla four-pointers in the first 20 minutes of the second half, to Alan Nuilesa, Josh Lambert and Michael Morris took the Sharks out to what had appeared to be a match winning 24-10 advantage, however the Raiders had other ideas and showed their obvious talents as they fought back to trail 24-20 before their late heroics enabled them to go home with the points.

Although little consolation the Sharks showed signs of improvement in comparison to their previous efforts and should move forward to a clash with Souths next Monday night with renewed confidence.

In another negative coming from the loss hooker Micheal Lichaa limped from the field in the second half with a hamstring complaint and will be assessed during the week.

SHARKS 24
Alan Nuilesa, Josh Lambert, Michael Morris, Scott Sorenson, Rea Pittman tries, Jake Walsh 2 goals
Lost to
CANBERRA 26