Matthews Cup Sharks go down in Season Finale

The Matthews Cup Sharks have finished the 2021 junior rep reason with a 30-10 loss to a Parramatta Eels side which is likely to take some beating for the under-17's NSWRL title.

With finals already out of reach and the Sharks playing for pride, it was a gutsy performance against a second-placed placed Eels side that would ultimately prove to have too many weapons for the Cronulla team to combat.

The Sharks were on the board early in what was a low-scoring first half, captain and five eighth Siteni Taukamo showing good strength to get the ball down despite the attention of a number of Eels defenders.

Fullback Chevy Stewart kicked the extra two points to put the Sharks up 6-0 at the 15-minute mark however the Eels would respond, a barge-over try five minutes later, then another just before half time and the visitors had a 10-6 advantage at the break.

The Eels would then pile on four tries after the break, against one from the Sharks, replacement hooker Sasha Popovic, in his first game for the 2021 season, spotting an opening near the line and touching down.

The result was a continuation of a disappointing season, one which promised so much but came up short for a Cronulla team, who finished their year in 12th position following two wins, a draw and five losses.

SHARKS 10

Sasha Popovic, Siteni Taukamo tries, Chevy Stewart goal

lost to

EELS 30

***

Don't forget to visit ourfootyteam.com and sharks.com.au for all of the results, competition ladders, more photos as well as to stay up to date with all the latest news about the Sharks and Sharks junior representative teams.

Pictures: Adam Wrightson