Matts, Tarsha into finals as Ball, Fiaola bow out

Updated: Apr 12

A sensational come-from-behind win for the Harold Matthews Cup Sharks capped off the NSWRL Junior Representative regular season a couple of weeks ago, with two Cronulla teams progressing to the finals.

The Brad Kelly-coached under-17 Harold Matthews side scored a thrilling 26-22 victory over the Roosters after trailing 18-0 at PointsBet Stadium.

The result saw them leapfrog the Tricolours into fourth position, setting up another clash between the clubs for a spot in the preliminary final this weekend.

Interchange middle forward Cruz Parkin was instrumental, changing the momentum and scoring a crucial try before fullback Oliver Lester touched down to put Cronulla ahead with 10 minutes remaining. They defended grimly and held on.

While the under-19 Tarsha Gale women lost 38-4 to the first-placed Steelers in Round 9, they went into the match knowing they could finish no worse than sixth.

Isaac Michael's charges are now poised to face the Roosters-affiliated Indigenous Academy (ranked third) in an elimination final.

Elsewhere, Dave Howlett's under-19 SG Ball boys concluded their campaign with a 28-20 loss to the undefeated Roosters, leaving them ninth. Victory wouldn't have been enough to keep their season alive as other results went against them.

Like the earlier Harold Matthews game, the Sharks fought back valiantly after trailing 28-10 in the second half. Back-to-back tries to Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri and Alex Challenor gave Cronulla a sniff, but they couldn't crack the Tricolours' defence at the death despite some attacking opportunities.

The under-17 Lisa Fiaola girls bowed out with a 38-14 loss to Illawarra. They ultimately produced a record of two wins and six losses, but the team showed considerable heart and developed impressively under coach Robbie Taylor.

***

Round 9 Results

Lisa Fiaola Cup - Sharks 14 lost to Illawarra 38

Tarsha Gale Cup Cup - Sharks 4 lost to Illawarra 38

Harold Matthews Cup - Sharks 26 defeated Roosters 22

SG Ball Cup - Sharks 20 lost to Roosters 28

***

See links below to photo galleries from the Round 9 Sharks games against Roosters on Saturday, 30th March 2024 thanks to Cronulla JRL Photographer - Adam Wrightson.

Remember to follow the Cronulla JRL website and social media channels for all the action and excitement from the 2024 NSWRL junior representative season.