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Grassroots: Sharks take home comforts in battle for survival

Shaw Cross Sharks assistant coach Wayne Stead believes the team’s home form can carry them to survival in Division One during the weeks ahead.

The Sharks climbed out of the relegation zone with victory over Bradford Dudley Hill on Saturday, and the majority of their remaining fixtures are at home.

“We’re pleased with the win, definitely. When you’ve been on the run that we’ve had you take any win,” Stead told the Shaw Cross Sharks website.

“Performance-wise the first half was really good. Bradford Dudley Hill are a big side so it’s always a case if nullifying their big team and we did that really well.

“We didn’t get drawn into certain factors of the game, we just kept our composure and we scored some really good tries on the edges, which we always do.”

The Sharks led 24-0 at the break, but were less clinical following the restart, eventually running out 36-18 winners.

“The second half turned into a scrappy match and the level of play was brought down,” admitted Stead.

“I think it’s quite easy when you’re winning for your performance to drop, especially against a team that’s struggling a bit.

“And they had a man sent off, so I think both teams’ performance levels dropped.”

The Sharks return to NCL action on Saturday 4th August, when they face Oulton Raiders at home. Their three fixtures after that are also at Shark Park.

“We take great pride in what we do at Shark Park,” said Stead.

“It seems we’ve been on our travels for quite a long time, but now we’ve got another five home matches to go, and six in total, so the signs are positive.”