THE SHARKS missed the chance to climb above the Dragons after losing 20-18 to the Lions in the United Rugby Championship.
The Durban side remain bottom of the pile after having to settle for a losing bonus point after Boeta Chamberlain missed a last-gasp penalty.
Marius Louw’s late try – converted by Sanele Nohamba – edged the Lions ahead.
With the clock entering the red, Sharks were awarded a penalty but Chamberlain could not take the chance.
Makazole Mapimpi and Grant Williams crossed in the first half, with Curwin Bosch kicking eight points as the Sharks went into the interval 18-3 up, but the visitors turned it around with a penalty try in addition to Louw’s score and eight points from Nohamba’s boot.
The defeat leaves the Sharks rooted to the foot of the table – a point behind the Dragons and three back on Zebre Parma and the Scarlets – while the Lions climbed into 11th spot.
The URC takes a break for the finish to the European group stages with the Dragons going up against fellow league strugglers.
Dai Flanagan’s side travel to Parma on Saturday (kick-off 3.15pm) and then entertain the Sharks a week on Sunday.
One win will probably be enough to secure a spot in the last 16 after beating Oyonnax with a bonus point and then suffering a last-gasp loss in Pau.
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