The Illawarra Cutters defeated the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 23-22 at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday.
After the Sharks had raced out to a sizeable lead, the Cutters found their form in the second half and came away with the narrow victory.
Early into the game the Sharks crossed for the first try through Vunivalo to make it 4-0.
The visitors scored again in the 11th minute when Jordan McClean ran strongly to offload to Dayne Weston who scored under the posts.
Valentine Holmes converted to make it 10-0.
After trailing early, the Cutters hit back in the 20th minute when winger Kiti Glymin scored.
With ten minutes to go before half-time, Mark Mexico was able to score under the posts for the away side.
Holmes converted again to make it 16-4.
This was followed up five minutes from the interval by Holmes’ efforts, converting his own try to make it 22-4.
Illawarra weren’t going to let the game get beyond their reach and in the 39th minute winger Tyron Cranston was able to cross over.
Cutters five-eighth Sam Williams converted to make it 22-10.
Shortly after half-time the Cutters scored again with Chris Lewis finding the try line.
Williams converted again to make it 22-16.
Twelve minutes later Tyron Cranston crossed out wide for his second try of the game and put the game within reach.
Sam Williams held his nerve and converted from out wide to tie the game 22-22.
This would not be the last points scored as a field goal from Williams sealed the win and the two points.
The Illawarra Cutters defeated the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
Illawarra Cutters 23. Tries: Glymin, Cranston (2), Lewis. Goals: Williams (3/4) Field Goal: Williams (1/1).
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22. Tries: Holmes, Weston, Mexico, Vunivalu. Goals: Holmes (3/4).
