Hurt Sharks edge home

Key injuries make narrow win more satisfying

AN undermanned Southport have held off a spirited Redland to secure a three-point win and hold on to second spot on the NEAFL ladder.

The margin between the two sides at any of the breaks never went beyond four points at Scottsdale Park on Saturday, with the Sharks running out 16.9 (105) to 15.12 (102) winners in the Round 16 clash.

The Sharks battled with injuries to key personnel including Ryan Davis, Rhys Clark, Jordan Taylor and Brodie Murdoch, who was a late out with an Achilles problem. The group are rated in the club’s top 10 players. Emergency Sam Jewell replaced Murdoch in the team.

Sharks coach Stephen Daniel said it was an important win in a game they knew would challenge a group coming off two straight losses. “It is always tough against Redland,” Daniel said.

“The last five times we have played them the margin hasn’t been any more than three goals.

“I’m not sure why. We just seem to battle on their ground every time we go there. We have some really good players out so that certainly makes a difference.”

Southport hold a four-point buffer over third-placed Sydney Swans with 10 wins and four losses.

Davis and Murdoch are expected back for this week’s clash with Canberra in the nation’s capital, while Clark and Taylor could still be another week away.

Meanwhile, the Gold Coast Suns NEAFL side lost 13.18 (96) to 2.5 (17) to the undefeated Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday.

Sam Fletcher and Riley Buckland were the only two goalkickers for the Suns, while George Horlin-Smith, Brad Scheer, Connor Budarick, Tom Nicholls and Jack Leslie were among their best.

Gold Coast are six points outside the top six going into this week’s Round 17 clash with GWS at Metricon Stadium.