The Raiders snatched a 24-14 victory in a thrilling round-five NRL clash at Shark Park on Saturday evening.
The Sharks had much of the play and possesion and exhibited a fine expansive style, but in the end were left with egg on their face as the men from Canberra left with the spoils.
Terry Campese bagged a late try to seal victory against the Cronulla men, who could argue that they were robbed after a strong start. They held off a couple of early Raiders raids before bagging the first score of the day courtesy of Trent Barrett playing in David Simmons, who crossed the line.
Luke Covell missed with his attempt for extras and was soon punished as Jarrod Croker notched a first try for the visitors but a Covell kick saw the score at 6-6 at half-time.
Simmons got his second four-pointer just after the restart after good work from Barrett, Brett Seymour and Matthew Wright. Stuart Flanagan hit back to see The Raiders 12-10 up, but more good play from the hosts led to Simmons completing his hat-trick. Another missed kick, however, left it at 14-12.
And that was the last of the scoring for The Sharks as Canberra finished stronger. A fine phase play led to Alan Tongue going over for his side’s third touchdown and Campese then ran the length of the field en route to his clinching try to make sure the points were leaving with the visitors.