Jersey Flegg Cup: Dragons taken down in derby

The Sharks forced an error with their opening kick of the game to pave the way for Taj Brailey to burrow his way over and make it 6-0.

A fifth-tackle penalty off the corresponding set gifted the visitors another early attacking opportunity but the Dragons defence held strong to force them over the sideline.

They were able to add to the lead their next set however through Michael Gabrael who sped into space from centre-field and evaded the cover to dive over.

The hosts came up with their first points soon after through Jesse Williams who cannoned into space off a David Afu pass and outpaced the cover to cross in the corner.

Shadi Hammoud – in the first Jersey Flegg outing of his career – slotted the conversion from inches inside the touchline to bring his side back within a single score.

Hammoud becomes the 10th member of the Dragons’ SG Ball premiership winning outfit to graduate through to Jersey Flegg this season.

The visitors managed to add to their lead just shy of the break through Samuel McCulloch who powered his way over off the back of a Taj Ford break to push their edge back out to double digits.

The Sharks added to their lead on the other side of the intermission with Riley Pollard finding his way over off a McCulloch bust to make it 24-6.

A shrewd short-side play saw the visiting side push further ahead moments later with Pollard sending Dylan Coutts over down the left-hand corridor.

An incorrect restart allowed the Sharks to continue their onslaught through winger Te Wehi Waitere who found space in the left-hand corner to cross off a shift.

Front rower Felix Faatili stormed over for the Sharks with 15 to go as the scoreboard continued to tick over for the visiting side.

Max Riolo was the next to notch a four-pointer for the visitors as the Red V endured a mighty struggle trying to wrestle possession back in their direction.

Kye Wright left the field late for the hosts for a HIA with Gabrael sent to the sin bin as a result.

The Dragons found a try off it through Tom Kirk who took advantage of the space left by Gabrael’s absence off a sharp Cyrus Stanley-Traill ball.

Waitere found a second for the Sharks in the final stages to put a bow on a convincing win.