The Goannas beat the third-placed Cronulla 15.12. (102) to 11.7. (73); their first win over the Sharks since the 2004 Australian Football Sydney second-division semi-finals.

The Sharks showed they were determined to spoil their hosts' party by being the better team in the first quarter and leading 3.3. (21) to 1.2. (8). It was a different Goannas in the second quarter, however.

They kicked 30 points to the Sharks' solitary goal but Cronulla then had their own surge, narrowing the margin at the last change.

The teams went goal for goal early in the final quarter before the Goannas literally kicked away, booting the final three goals.

The Goannas' best were Brett Harland, Tim Barton, Brett Rizzo, Brodie Crane, Balzan and Gary Sentence. Harland, seven, and Luke Mansbridge, four, led the goalkickers.

Meanwhile, a much-improved Goannas reserve grade just missed out against the Sharks, 8.11. (59) to 7.7. (49).

Best players were Jack Southurst, Michael Congrene, Brad Byrnes, Shannon Altorjay, Kris McMillan and Adam Townsend and Matthew MacDonald kicked three goals.

UNSW thrashed a much-depleted Goannas second division 22.10. (142) to 1.3. (9).

The Goannas host league leaders, the UTS Bats this Saturday, the club's sponsors day.