(Photo : steve montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com)

Parramatta EELS - NYC u20s Rnd 21 Team Photo (Photo : steve montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com)

HOLDEN CUP MATCH REPORT – ROUND 21
The NYC Sharks have lost another heartbreaker, giving up two late tries in going down by 34-23 to the Parramatta Eels.

Battling hard the Sharks took the lead and looked headed for a victory when a Dallas Wells field goal put them one point in front with just five points left on the clock, however they couldn’t hold on, with the Eels scoring twice to deny them a win.

It was another disappointing result for a Sharks side that has been in position to win games on numerous occasions in 2014, only to let a lead slip in the closing moments.

After the Eels posted first points in just the fifth minute of the match the Sharks responded through Brad Deitz, the hooker smart enough to take advantage and dive on a loose ball after a Parramatta strip near the line.

Jamayne Isaako converted and the scores were locked at six-apiece.

The Eels would win back their lead with a converted try but again showing good character the Sharks bounced back, a clever exchange of passing putting winger Finlay Dibley over in he corner.

Isaako couldn’t convert but the Sharks were within two at 12-10 behind.

It appeared the teams would go to the break with no change to the scores, however half back Connor Tracey had other ideas. Sensing an opportunity he took on the tiring Eels forward pack, the young Sharks number seven beating a handful of would-be defenders in a determined 20-metre run to the line.

Isaako added the extras and the Sharks would go to the break with their first lead of the afternoon at 16-12 in front.

The Eels would level the scores in the early exchanges of the second period but it was the Sharks who would again go ahead, Isaako stretching out to score some 20-metres to the left of the uprights.

Isaako would convert his own try and with less that 20 minutes left the Sharks led 22-16.

In what was a topsy-turvey affair the Eels would again reply, a long range try, with a successful conversion on the back of it, leveling the scores and setting up a grandstand finish.

The Sharks edged ahead with a Dallas Wells field goal just five mintues from time, but they wouldn’t be able to hold on, two late Eels tries blowing out the scoreline and seeing the Eels escape with the points.