Lyon vs Sharks: Bester try after the hooter seals 40-33 Challenge Cup win

A much-changed Sharks side won their opening EPCR Challenge Cup match after the hooter on Saturday 17 October. Lyon had drawn level with seconds left, and Litelihle Bester then scored the try that gave the visitors a 40-33 victory at the Stade de Gerland.

Bester scored twice, and his second try came after time was up. The winger was sent over with help from fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya, and flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse added the conversion. Siyaya was named man of the match.

The Sharks needed that last attack because Lyon had just wiped out their lead. Scrumhalf and captain Baptiste Couilloud, playing his 200th match for the club, scored off a grubber from fullback Gabin Lorre with time all but gone. Paddy Jackson's conversion made it 33-33.

A fast start and a tight first half

The visitors made a quick start. Bester and his fellow wing Jaco Williams each crossed in the opening quarter, putting the Sharks 12-0 ahead. Lyon responded with tries from centre Adrien Seguret and winger Monty Ioane, and Jackson added both conversions to edge the home side in front at 14-12.

Flank Manu Tshituka put the Sharks back in front with a converted try shortly before the break, and they led 19-14 at half-time.

In the second half a try from Siyaya took the score to 33-21. The Sharks thought they had another late on, when scrumhalf Bradley Davids crossed, but it was ruled out for foul play in the build-up: lock Stephan Lewies was judged to have obstructed Lorre. Lyon's late try then set up the finish.

Springboks rested

The Sharks travelled without their frontline Springboks.

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