Win sees Shaw Cross A set up title showdown

It took the Sharks just two minutes to take the lead when a great kick from Jamie Searby was gathered by Alex Whitaker to touchdown in the corner and he landed a brilliant touchline conversion.

Featherstone were a big side and ran strongly but the Sharks, with several youngsters in their side, were looking too sharp.

Superb distribution from Sam Bastow allowed Shaw Cross to extend their lead when Martin Woodhead split the defence to go over for a good try. Whittaker added the extras.

The Lions struck back when their huge prop crashed over and the conversion made it 12-6, which sparked a good spell from the visitors.

The young Sharks weathered the storm and another pinpoint kick from Searby gave 17-year-old debutant Joe Halloran the opportunity to collect and sidestep the full-back for a neat try.

The Sharks then piled on the pressure and when the Lions defence rushed out, Bastow produced a lovely dummy to dive over and give them a comfortable 22-6 half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Featherstone scoring a good try and increasing their effort but once the Sharks settled they posted further tries from the hardworking Aiden Kay, Matty Spaven, Bastow and Joe Halloran to double their tally in a solid performance.

Karl Cassar and Jake Townsend produced outstanding performances, while the Sharks man-of-the-match went to Matty Collett, who ran strongly all game supported by Joe Bownass, Matt Martin and Declan Ellis in a good team effort.

Victory leaves the Sharks A team just two points behind league leaders Bradford Dudley Hill, who visit Leeds Road in a top of the table showdown on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

A win for the Sharks by four points or more will see them leapfrog their opponents and move top of the table going into the final three matches of the season.