THE Shellharbour Sharks have kept their 2020 Group Seven season afloat following a come from behind 20-18 victory against reigning premiers Kiama.
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At Ron Costello Oval, the visitors opened the scoring in the 20th minute following a piece of magic by back-rower Tom Angel.
After receiving an inside ball from fullback Dylan Morris, Angel bounced off two defenders before toeing is forward with his left foot - with the former winning the race to the ball and planting it down with his right hand.
Half Cam Vazzoler converted and it was 6-nil.
Vazzoler added the extras from just to the left of the sticks and the lead was 12.
It was all one-way traffic early on, as a shift to the left and quick feet by Dylan Morris, saw him skip between Nick Greenhalgh and Donte Efaraimo and score his second.
Vazzoler landed his third conversion and it was 18-nil after 30 minutes.
Just before the break, the Sharks got themselves back into the contest with a try through the powerful Efaraimo, who placed it down despite the efforts of Vazzoler and Josh Toohey.
Skipper Matt Carroll failed from his sideline conversion, which made it 18-4 at half-time.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, with dynamic utility Brody Rigg barging over, following a darting run from dummy-half.
Carroll again missed and it was 18-8.
Less than 10 minutes later, Rigg had his second - this time running back inside hooking partner Kiran Tranter before slamming it down.
Carroll landed his first kick of the afternoon and it was game on at 18-14.
The comeback was complete in the 67th minute when Rigg scored his third try of the second half - after reaching out with his right hand.
Carroll converted to give the Sharks their first lead of the match 20-18.
In the final 10 minutes, both teams had opportunities to score but the desperate defence kept the scoreline the same - seeing the Sharks hold on for a memorable win and keep their finals dreams alive.
The Sharks, who now sit in sixth with a 4-3 record, have the bye in round nine, while the Knights, who drop to fifth with a 4-3 record, host the Eagles on Sunday.
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