A line-ball video referee decision with 47 seconds on the clock could have given them a precious home victory, but the Sharks hung on to win 18-14.
But in stark contrast to the last two weeks, the Warriors' players can at least walk around tomorrow with their heads held high.
Ultimately, the Cronulla victory was built on a remarkable first-half defensive effort, when they repelled almost constant Warriors pressure. The home team also predictably lacked a cutting edge without Shaun Johnson, and a lot of passes went astray.
Those combinations will improve over the next five weeks but it will surely be too late.
There were no ambulances required at Mt Smart tonight, but the Warriors finals hopes are on life support, with an imposing run in of the Dragons (h), Tigers (a), Cowboys (h), Penrith (a) and Bulldogs (a).
On the positive side, Tui Lolohea had an encouraging stint at halfback, with plenty of energy on attack as well as kicking some pressure goals, and the forward effort was impressive.
Watching this Cronulla team makes you yearn for the great Sharks sides of the 1980s, when the flair of Gavin Miller, Andrew Ettinghausen and Mark McGaw made them one of the best teams to watch.
This current incarnation is a no-frills outfit, with a style that's neither pretty nor pleasing. But it can be effective, and Valentine Holmes is a gem on the right wing. They're experts at winning ugly, and were coming off tough away victories against the Raiders and the Bulldogs.
And while the Warriors lamented Johnson's absence, the Sharks were missing their own magic man, winning only one game in five when Andrew Fifita doesn't play.
Unlike last week, the Warriors were up for. There was an impressive intensity from the first minute and they completely dominated the first half in terms of possession and territory.
Charlie Gubb came up with one of his trademark shots and Konrad Hurrell forced another turnover with a savage shoulder. The forwards were hunting as a pack and on occasions their driving defence resembled a Pumas driving maul. There was also the usual only-at-the-Warriors-moments with Nathan Friend producing another between the legs pass.
Meanwhile, the go-forward provided by the likes of Manu Vatuvei, Ken Maumalo and Hurrell made a massive difference. Cronulla weren't playing badly, but they couldn't get the ball and spent most of the half defending repeat sets.
A pinpoint Chad Townsend bomb produced the first try in the fifth minute, Hurrell reacting first to a loose ball. The Sharks then showed remarkable resilience to repel the Warriors for 30 minutes - with Jeff Robson invoking memories of Michael Speechley with some courageous low tackles on Ben Matulino.
Simon Mannering's 38th-minute try gave the Warriors a handy halftime lead, but it never looked enough. Two pieces of Valentine Holmes magic - with his second chip-and-chase try a stunner - levelled the scores before a 71st minute Ricky Leutele try took the Sydney team ahead.
The Warriors had two chances to win the game, with the second ruled out by the video referee.
It could have been given but perhaps the Warriors used up such luck with the Bodene Thompson decision at Parramatta Stadium.
Sharks 18 (V Holmes 2, R Leutele tries; M. Gordon 3 gls), Warriors 14 (K.Hurrell, S. Mannering tries; T. Lolohea 3 gls). Halftime: 10-0 Warriors.
