Challenge Cup: Sharks steal Lyon thriller with last-gasp Litelihle Bester try

The Durban side looked set for a tense finish when Lyon captain Baptiste Couilloud crossed in the closing moments to level the scores at 33-33. However, the Sharks kept their composure, launched one final attack and found Bester, who delivered the match-winning score in a thrilling contest.

Bester had opened the scoring for the visitors in the early stages, finishing off an attacking move after the Sharks won a penalty at the first scrum. Jordan Hendrikse missed the conversion, leaving the South Africans with a 5-0 lead.

Lyon responded through Adrian Seguret, who broke through the Sharks defence to score. The hosts then took control when Monty Ioane finished a well-executed lineout move after 30 minutes, with Paddy Jackson converting to put Lyon 14-12 ahead.

The Sharks regained the advantage before half-time. After winning a lineout close to the Lyon try line, they capitalised on a handling error to set up a scrum, from which Manu Tshituka powered over. Hendrikse added the conversion to give the visitors a 19-14 lead at the break.

Lyon struck back early in the second half, using their effective lineout and sustained pressure to cross the line after a series of Sharks infringements. Jackson converted to put the hosts ahead 21-19.

The Sharks responded immediately. After Zekhethelo Siyaya produced an impressive run through the Lyon defence, the visitors continued to apply pressure, eventually creating the space for Nick Hatton to finish a well-worked attack.

Hendrikse then delivered a perfectly weighted kick into the corner, allowing Siyaya to collect and score the Sharks' fifth try. The fullback's pace and footwork proved a constant threat, earning him Player of the Match honours.

Lyon refused to surrender, however, as Gabin Lorre crossed in the corner after the Sharks lost a crucial lineout. Jackson's conversion reduced the deficit to seven points, with the score at 33-26.

The Sharks thought they had secured another try when Bradley Davids followed up his own kick, but the score was disallowed following an obstruction decision. That reprieve kept Lyon in the contest.

The French side pressed for a late equaliser, and Couilloud delivered in dramatic fashion, scoring in his 200th appearance to bring the scores level at 33-33 in the final minute.

With the 80 minutes already played, the Sharks refused to settle for a draw. They retained possession and launched one last attack, with Bester crossing after the hooter to complete a remarkable victory.

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