Sharks face must win final game against Knights to keep survival hopes alive

Australian Robbie Byatt was among the Sharks try scorers.

The Sharks face a final day showdown with Normanton after they slipped to a 46-14 defeat away to Myton Warriors last Saturday, while shock away wins for Ince Rose Bridge and East Leeds saw them drop back into the relegation places.

A red card for Will Gledhill after 20 minutes put Sharks at a disadvantage but despite this they fought bravely for the remaining hour.

Two early tries for Myton put them in control. The pick of the tries coming after a short pass before the tackle allowed their half backs to break through and round full-back Sam Ottewell to score.

Shaw Cross started to find their way into the game but were hit with Gledhill’s sending off after a fight broke out between both sets of players.

With all players involved it was difficult to see exactly what went on in the melee.

After discussion with his touch judge, the referee decided it was red card for Gledhill and a yellow for the Myton winger.

The hosts scored soon after following a break down the right and despite Sharks claims of a forward pass, the try stood and Myton led 18-0.

The Sharks responded well to going behind as Ross Roebuck rose brilliantly to collect a devilish cross field kick from Casey Johnson and ground the ball.

Shaw Cross continued to push forward and were rewarded as Jack Gledhill scored on the left wing.

A swift passing move found Gledhill, who darted through the gap to score.

Another quick succession of tries 15 minutes into the second half helped to put Myton out of sight. After using the space on the right wing to score, Myton broke through the middle once more to go between the posts.

Shaw Cross scored their third try a few moments later as Robbie Byatt went over in the right corner after he was on the end of a swift passing move.

Sharks continued to push and looked like they would score again but Luke Hudson’s pass was intercepted by Myton stand-off Nathan Slater, who raced 90 metres to score a spectacular try between the posts.

The hosts scored their final two tries as the game was coming to it’s close.

Two moves out towards the left wing saw them get over the whitewash and seal the win.

Shaw Cross now have a two week break before they entertain Normanton Knights on October 15 when the Sharks must win their final match in order to give themselves any chance to stay in the National Conference Division One.