Sharks sunk by Crusaders
Reigning Super 14 champions Crusaders held on for a hard-fought 13-10 win over the Sharks at King's Park.
Last Updated: 19/04/09 12:31pm
Reigning Super 14 champions Crusaders held on for a hard-fought 13-10 win over the Sharks at King's Park.
After enduring a disappointing campaign thus far, the Canterbury-based side dug deep to register their fourth consecutive league win.
The Sharks started the brighter of the two sides and lock Steven Sykes crossed in the 10th minute after a prolonged spell of pressure.
Crusaders fly-half Stephen Brett then kicked a 25th-minute penalty goal before flanker Kieran Reid burst away from a ruck and fed No. 8 Scott Waldrom.
Waldrom fed Richie McCaw - back in action after a medial ligament strain - and he cantered over unchallenged to mark his return with a try.
Brett converted and the Crusaders took a 10-7 lead into the half-time break.
Scrum-half Andy Ellis stretched the lead to 13-7 just after the interval with a drop goal, and the Crusaders spent much of the rest of the match defending as the Sharks threw everything into attack.
Sharks No.9 Rory Kockott kicked a 70th minute penalty to reduce the deficit to three points, however the Crusaders held on to kick off their tour of South Africa with a win.
