Round 21
Sharks 18 l. Knights 22

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Johns inspires Knights victory
Sun July 30, 2006
Newcastle captain Andrew Johns showed his class and greatness on Friday night as he produced the crucial match-winning try to help the Knights record an important 22-18 victory against top eight contenders Cronulla as the race for Finals positions heats up.

The Sharks were holding onto a slender 18-16 when Johns crashed over in a strong try in the 61st minute to push the Knights ahead 22-18 and their defence held on grimly in the final 15 minutes as Cronulla threw everything at Newcastle.

George Carmont scored the opening try, which had a cloud of controversy around it when replays showed that he knocked on the ball in contesting the kick across field from Johns. Referee Shayne Hayne went to the video and the knock on was missed by the decision maker in the stands with access to all the technology.

Cronulla put that set back behind them with Paul Gallen and Lance Thompson scoring powerful tries in the 14th and 28th minutes respectively to push the Sharks out to a 12-6 lead.

Matthew Gidley showed quick hands to setup Brian Carney for an important try on the stroke of half-time. Johns was unable to convert with Cronulla holding onto a two-point lead at the break.

Adam Woolnough pushed Newcastle back into the lead in the 51st minute and Reece Williams replied four minutes later to edge the Sharks in front until Johns struck.

The match was crucial with the victor moving away from the log jam of teams in 8th position. Newcastle are in 6th position on 24 points and the Sharks hold 8th position on for and against differences with 22 points. Cronulla are equal on premiership points with North Queensland who have the best for and against of the sides on 22 points while Parramatta, Penrith and Canberra are outside the top eight despite being on 22 points.

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