Why the Sharks are finally showing some bite
June 2nd 2008 08:44
Sharks players celebrate a fine performance against the Titans
The Sharks had no right to score 30 points yesterday.
The Weather was cold and wet, and they just so happened to be playing against a red-hot Titans outfit who can be content with having the most dominant halfback in the NRL.
If the law of order stuck into place, it should've been the Titans scoring at will and the Sharks desperately defending their own line.
But how often have we seen a team change it's mindset and attitude in the space of seven days.
After a mistake riddled first half with plenty of lost opportunites for both teams, it looked as if the men from the Shire were once again going to shoot themselves in the foot.
They have more often than not found themselves in a situation to put opposition teams to the sword, but have consistently lost their way when the time counts.
Leading 8-0 early in the first half, the Sharks looked good amist some dropped ball.
Their defence was strong and their attack was straight, But not enough points to show.
Then Bing Bang the Titans strike a double blow with Scott Prince once again the architect - firstly providing an inside ball to Mark Minichiello to score and then grubbering amist all the pressure to find Luke O'Dwyer to put the Gold Coast infront.
Not again.
After such a disasterous performance against the Bulldogs last Monday, coach Ricky Stuart must've felt tightness in his chest.
A tightness that has stemed throughout the Cronulla faithful after experiencing most of their matches go down to the wire.
Thankfully for all Cronulla inhabitants, they could at last breath easier.
In an inspired second half, the Sharks finally displayed the football that has seen most of their supporters itching for success.
Brett Kimmorley, Paul Gallen and Greg Bird all provided the spark in attack their side has been craving for almost a year.
They moved the ball with skill and hit the line with penetration. Everything finally started to flow and it was impressive to watch.
The Two tries that stood out the most were the ones scored by Sharks winger Luke Covell.
Covell was the beneficiary of a wonderful backline movement that saw the ball go past seven sets of hands to eventually see the Kiwi winger score his first try.
His second effort was also a sight to behold.
Paul Gallen proved the dictator here as he double pumped his pass to force a second man play that saw Covell reach out and score a great four pointer.
From then on in, the Sharks just enjoyed their football and it was humbling to see.
A side that bases itself on its aggressive approach in both defence and attack finally started using their instincts.
And hey, it worked to a charm.
Coach Ricky Stuart labelled it his side's best half performance all season.
The trick is now to get his team primed for an 80 minute assault of football that will have all opponents worried from now on.
If the Sharks can stay consistent, there is no doubt in my mind that the men from the Shire can finally bring home the object that has eluded them since the club was born.
From yesterday's performance, anything is possible.
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