Winger Litelihle Bester scored after the hooter as the Sharks won a pulsating EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Lyon at the Stade de Gerland on Saturday.
The hosts thought they had secured a draw when scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud scored with seconds left, flyhalf Paddy Jackson converting to make it 33-33.
But the Sharks kept their composure from the restart and Bester found space out wide, with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse’s conversion sealing a 40-33 win.
The visitors, who rested their frontline Springboks, led 19-14 at the break.
The Sharks youngsters are on another level
Lili Bester is on the end of it for a stunning team try
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Bester and fellow winger Jaco Williams both crossed in the opening quarter, with Hendrikse kicking a conversion to give the Sharks a 12-0 lead.
Lyon hit back through centre Adrien Seguret and winger Monty Ioane, with Jackson converting both to put the hosts ahead.
But Sharks flank Manu Tshituka powered over for a converted try just before the break to regain the lead.
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Lyon struck first after the restart when replacement No 8 Lilian Baret forced his way over from close range and Jackson converted from the corner.
The Sharks responded when No 8 and captain Nic Hatton collected out wide and ran around under the posts.
Nick Hatton leading from the front
The Sharks are keeping Lyon on their toes
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Fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya then crossed the line and Hendrikse again added the extras to give the visitors some breathing room at 33-21.
Lyon fullback Gabin Lorre reduced the deficit with a try before an intercept try by Sharks scrumhalf Bradley Davids was ruled out for foul play in the build-up.
Then came the French club’s late try and Bester’s match-winner.
The Sharks return to URC action against Cardiff at the Arms Park next week before hosting the Scarlets in their next Challenge Cup fixture on 12 December.
LYON – Tries: Adrien Seguret, Monty Ioane, Lilian Baret, Gabin Lorre, Baptiste Couilloud. Conversions: Paddy Jackson (4).
SHARKS – Tries: Manu Tshituka, Litehile Bester (2), Jaco Williams, Nic Hatton, Zekhethelo Siyaya. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (5).
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Winger Litelihle Bester scored after the hooter as the Sharks won a pulsating EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Lyon at the Stade de Gerland on Saturday.
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