League: Warriors pip Cronulla

Warriors 12 Cronulla 10

Cronulla's National Rugby League playoff hopes suffered another setback tonight when they were pipped by the New Zealand Warriors 12-10 in cold, wet weather.

The Sharks had begun the weekend in eighth spot, but the result meant they have now lost their last six fixtures in a row.

The match doubled as a testimonial for Awen Guttenbeil, who was appearing in his 166th match for the Warriors in his 11th season at the club.

But just 4850 fans turned up in dismal conditions to see the second rower put in a tireless effort at Mt Smart Stadium.

The contest was played out in constant rain and both sides were content to keep tactics simple, with much of the action happening up the middle.

As has been their habit of late, Cronulla conceded the first try. The second-bottom Warriors followed up an enthusiastic kick chase by forcing winger Darren Albert back over his own line.

From the line drop out, a break by Guttenbeil ended with five-eighth Grant Rovelli jinking his way over after just seven minutes. Centre Tony Martin added the conversion.

The Sharks equalised 10 minutes later, with a bust by prop Luke Douglas setting up the opening for skipper Brett Kimmorley, who forced his way across for a try converted by Luke Covell.

The visitors began to gain an edge in territory and almost hit the front late in the half, but Albert wasn't quite able to force down an Adam Dykes cross kick.

It was the home side who inched ahead eight minutes in the second half, when former Warrior Richard Villasanti was called for offside 25m out from his own line and Martin landed the penalty.

But Cronulla hit the front when the Warriors were penalised on their own line for interference with a player contesting a cross kick.

The Sharks worked the ball across the field for Covell to score in the corner, but the New Zealand A representative was unable to add the extras from the sideline.

With 13 minutes to go, the Warrior grabbed the lead for the final time after a period of pressure.

Rovelli's kick into the in-goal was pounced on by interchange forward Micheal Luck for his first try for the club. The score remained 12-10 after Martin failed with the conversion from a handy position.

New Zealand Warriors 12 (Grant Rovelli, Micheal Luck, tries; Tony Martin 2 goals)
Cronulla Sharks 10 (Brett Kimmorley, Luke Covell, tries; Covell goal).
HT: 6-6.

- NZPA