In the ultra-close battle between the competition’s teams, as see in recent years, the Sharks stole an important break on their premiership rivals. 

Shellharbour won 28-20 after leading 16-10 at half-time. 

It came as Albion Park-Oak Flats converted an early lead into a 22-14 victory over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads at Centenary Field on Sunday. 

“The biggest problem with today was replicating the first half,” Eagles coach Gary Breakspear said. 

“With four 17-year-old players this week, you’ve got to simplify the plan a bit more and relying on the older heads a bit more.”

Centres Blake Jones and Paul Bell, as well as second-rower Simon Barnes and lock Josh Sainsbury scored for the Eagles. 

Berry coach Luke Ryder said the Magpies struggled to find the form which almost toppled Jamberoo last week.

“We just didn’t roll on from Jamberoo this week,” Ryder said. 

“We didn’t go backwards too far. The half chances didn’t go our way.”

Kiama winger Matt Morris scored four tries in a remarkable effort to lead the Knights to a 34-8 win over Milton-Uladulla on Saturday.

Warilla kept pace with Shellharbour at the top of the Group Seven ladder, beating Nowra-Bomaderry 36-10, as forward Blake Dowell came out of the under 18s to score two tries for the Gorillas. 

In the other game, Jamberoo kept the Stingrays scoreless with a 42-10 victory.