Sharks let victory slip from grasp

Adam Masson was among the Sharks try scorers in their National Conference League draw against Skirlaugh.

The Sharks had a tough afternoon against the visitors from Hull, who arrived determined to gain revenge for their home defeat a few weeks earlier.

The game was dominated by defences and scoring opportunities were few.

Skirlaugh took the lead form a well worked try to go 6-0 ahead and were looking lively but the Sharks came back with strong running from Robbie Byatt, Greg Wilby and Luke Hudson creating the position for Adam Masson to charge over for an unconverted try.

Further pressure from the forwards and some great play from MoM Jordan Anderson paved the way for another Sharks try from Ryan Chalkley, converted by Danny Flowers as they led 10-6.

Shaw Cross looked to be gaining the edge and were turning the screw before a loose pass in the Skirlaugh 20 metre area saw the visitors turn defence in to attack with an interception try from 80 metres.

The simple conversion giving the Humbersiders a slender 12-10 lead at the break.

A clever kick from the visitors saw the ball bounce up perfectly for Skirlaugh to extend their lead with an unconverted try.

This ignited the Sharks and the experienced Andrew Fawkes and John Rourke began driving them forward to get back in the game.

Will Poching and Jack Gledhill were testing the visitors defence and with 10 minutes remaining a superb offload from Wilby put Chalkley in for his second try.

The conversion from Flowers levelled the score at 16-16 to set up a tense finale.

The Sharks piled on the pressure in the latter stages of the game but the resolute visitors defence prevented any further scores.

Flowers had a drop goal attempt charged down and the impressive Anderson was tackled over the line and unable to ground the ball for the winning try.

It was a point dropped as the Sharks had enough opportunities to secure victory but made some errors at crucial times to let Skirlaugh off the hook and earn a draw.

The point leaves Shaw Cross eighth in the first division table, three points outside the top six.

They entertain fifth placed York Acorn, who are three points ahead of them, this Saturday kick off 2.30pm.