The Illawarra Cutters defeated the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 34-22 at Remondis Stadium, Cronulla on Saturday.
This was the Cutters first win of the season as they defeated last years grand finalist Cronulla.
The Cutters started out well in the balmy conditions with an early try to Geoff Daniela in the fourth minute.
The visitors continued their momentum with another try in quick concession in the ninth minute through Nathan Smith.
Cutters five-eighth Sam Duggan converted to make it 10-0.
The Cutters were in danger of wasting another good start to the game when the hosts hit back through Nathan Stapelton who picked up a loose ball on his own 20 metre line and went length of the field to score.
The game turned into an arm wrestle until a penalty put the Cutters in good field position and they were able to score through Peter Mati’utai in the 32nd minute.
Duggan converted to make it 16-4.
But Cronulla were able to hit back once again before half time through Nathan Stapelton who was able to convert his own try.
At half time the Cutters were in the lead 16-10.
The second half started out as an even affair, with Cutters scoring first through Will Matthews.
But Cronulla were able to keep the scores close with a Michael Lichaa try.
The visitors took control of the game with two quick tries to Nathan Smith who completed his hat-trick near the hourmark.
Duggan converted one of his two attempts to make it 30-16.
Cronulla got several repeat sets on the Cutters goal line which eventually led to a Sharks try through Junior Roqica.
Stapleton converted to make it 30-22.
The Cutters sealed the victory with a late Geoff Daniela try, his second of the day.
Illawarra Cutters 34 defeated the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22.
Illawarra Cutters: 34. Tries: Smith (3), Daniela (2), Mati’utai, Matthews. Goals: Duggan (4/7).
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22. Tries: Stapleton (2),Lichaa, Roqica. Goals: Stapleton (3/4).
