Valentine Holmes runs to score another try at Henson Park (Photo : steve montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com)

Michael Morris runs the ball forward (Photo : steve montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com)

The Newtown JETS NSWCUP Rnd 17 team (Photo : steve montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com)

NSW CUP MATCH REPORT – ROUND 17

A five-star performance from young gun Valentine Holmes has helped steer the NSW Cup Sharks to a much-needed victory over the Newtown Jets at Henson Park.

Holmes, who was a late inclusion after regular fullback Nathan Gardner was called into the NSW Cup Representative side to play Queensland this Wednesday night, crossed for three tries and kicked six goals from six attempts in complementing an improved team effort from the Cronulla team.

In breezy conditions at Henson the Sharks began strongly, building a handy 18-6 lead midway through the first half.

The Jets would eat into that advantage in making it 18-10, before Holmes crossed for the first of his three tries in extending the lead to 24-10 at the half time break.

Now running into the stiff southerly the job became that little bit more difficult, however on this occasion the Sharks wouldn't be denied, with Holmes crossing for two further four-pointers in confirming the win.

In addition to the performance of Holmes young Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona received praise for his efforts, while Melbourne club mate Junior Moors played well for the Sharks in the victory.

The Sharks consolidated seventh position on the table with the win and moved with striking distance of a place inside the top four with still nine rounds of the competition remaining.

This week they play the fifth-place Mounties team.

Check the SHARKS website later this week for venue and game time.