Melbourne Storm Secure Preliminary Final Berth With Win Against Cronulla Sharks 22 - 14
Melbourne Storm have marched into the NRL preliminary final after defeating the Cronulla Sharks 22-14 at AAMI Park. The Storm showed composure and clinical finishing to overcome a spirited Sharks outfit in perfect playing conditions.
The home side struck first when Will Warbrick scored in the sixth minute, setting the tempo for a dominant opening. Jahrome Hughes soon added another, and Ryan Papenhuyzen’s 35th-minute try gave Melbourne a well-earned 16-8 halftime lead.
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| Melbourne Storm Secure Preliminary Final Berth With Win Against Cronulla Sharks 22 - 14 [NRL Photo] |
Sione Katoa kept Cronulla in the contest with a double before the break, but the Sharks’ goal-kicking woes continued as they failed to convert any of their tries, leaving them trailing on the scoreboard.
Melbourne’s Nick Meaney made the difference with the boot, converting two tries and landing a crucial penalty goal midway through the second half to keep the Sharks at arm’s length.
The Sharks attempted a late comeback when Nicholas Hynes slotted a penalty goal and KL Iro scored in the dying seconds. Yet their surge was cut short by a disciplined Storm defensive line.
Xavier Coates delivered the killer blow in the 74th minute, finishing a slick backline move to extend the lead beyond Cronulla’s reach and send the home fans into raptures.
With this win, the Storm move within one game of the NRL grand final, while the Sharks head into the off-season reflecting on missed conversions and squandered opportunities.
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