South Sydney 12 Cronulla 6
Monday Night Football dished up one for the purists this week as the Rabbits and the Sharks slugged it out in greasy conditions at ANZ Stadium. The game started at a surprisingly frenetic pace and in the 13th minute, a Ben Barba brain snap appeared to have given the bunnies the early ascendancy, only for Sam Burgess being dubiously penalised for being inside the ten. In the 26th minute, the denied try looked all the more costly when chief playmaker Adam Reynolds left the field after being concussed in a sickening head clash with Hymel Hunt.
The Rabbitohs’ general would not return but his apprentice, Cody Walker, stepped up to the plate and used the conditions perfectly to weave his way between sliding Sharks defenders to score the first four pointer of the match. Damien Cook assumed the kicking responsibilities and made no mistake with the conversion and then a subsequent penalty right on the stroke of half time. The Rabbits went to the break 8-0 up and it was clear that Shane Flanagan was starting to feel the pressure of a potential winless month.
The second half started in the same way as the first, but it wasn’t until the 52nd minute that the classy Cronulla trio of Ennis, Maloney and Graham combined to put the Sharks right back in the hunt. Another opportunity on the Rabbits right edge was missed by Gerard Beale and despite being only two points behind, time was becoming a significant enemy for the Sharks. Rabbit’s flyer Joe Burgess bombed one of the more rudimentary opportunities of the season when he failed to hold onto a perfectly weighted kick from Cody Walker. Fortunately for Burgess, he was able to redeem himself when Inglis put him over in the corner after one of the more ordinary attempts at a short drop out that you are likely to see from James Maloney.
Another bittersweet victory for the Rabbitohs faithful who were once again reminded of the immeasurable talent of this side and what could have been
Five ingredients in this weeks Rabbit Stew
1. Cronulla are gaaawwwnnnn. An outstanding year without question but the mighty sharks look to have peaked way too early and are comfortably the most vulnerable team in the top four
2. Sam Burgess. I really don’t need to say to much other than to reiterate the at this bloke is a superstar
3. Cody Walker has benefited significantly from intermittent absences of Adam Reynolds throughout the year. Tonight he guided the team around and stepped up when the moment demanded it of him.
4. Nathan Brown made a nice contribution off the bench and despite an inconsistent season, is no doubt a player worth persisting with.
5. John Sutton still has it. The Rabbits journeyman has been there for the highs and lows and everything in between. Tonight he proved he is still a darn good footballer that offers direction and leadership to the club at a time when it is needed most.
