CAPE TOWN - The Sharks kept a mathematical chance of a place in the Super 14 semi-finals with a 24-17 win over the Stormers in Durban overnight.
With one round of matches remaining, the Sharks are five points behind the Brumbies, who lost 28-26 athome to the Highlanders earlier this morning.
But the Sharks' points scoring difference is 39 worse than the Brumbies so only a massive victory over the Western Force in their final match and a big Crusaders victory over the Brumbies will see the South Africans through to the last four.
In a swirling wind, the Sharks knew that they had to score four tries to claim the bonus point, but they ultimately fell short of their target and in the end did well to hang on for the victory as the Stormers finished much stronger.
The home team enjoyed nearly 75 per cent possession in the first half and managed two tries before the break -- through fullback Percy Montgomery and flank Jacques Botes.
Sharks 24 Stormers 17 Sharks: Tries: Percy Montgomery (20), Jacques Botes (24), Waylon Murray (63); Conversions: Percy Montgomery (21,25,64); Penalty: Percy Montgomery (40)
Stormers: Tries: Rayno Benjamin (58), Joe Van Niekerk (70); Conversions: Peter Grant (59,71); Penalty: Peter Grant (1)
Half Time: 17-3
