Cape Town - Western Province coach Allister Coetzee is disappointed with his side's discipline after their defeat to the Sharks at a wet Newlands on Friday night.

WP lost 21-19 after trailing 9-3 at halftime.

The Sharks started the second period stronger and were leading 15-3 before WP fought back.

Province were leading 19-18 with minutes to spare before ill-discipline again crept into their play when they conceded a penalty in kickable range. Sharks flyhalf Frederic Michalak converted to hand the Durbanites a narrow win.

And WP's coach Allister Coetzee is rightfully upset with the lack of discipline amongst his young players.

“We are disappointed with the loss, especially at Newlands. We played most of the game in their half and played most of the rugby. In the end a crucial penalty cost us and it is a lesson learnt for the players," Coetzee told the WP Rugby website.

Coetzee knows his players will need to improve markedly if they are to stand any chance of breaking their 10-year Currie Cup drought.

“We will make no excuses for the conditions. We have to learn how to win these tight games and to improve on our discipline as we move forward.

“The mistakes and turnovers we are giving away is a concern. It is certainly frustrating to be in a position to win and not do so.

"We are beating ourselves in the end by conceding too many penalties," said Coetzee.

Scorers:

Western Province 19 (3): Try: Brok Harris. Conversion: Demetri Catrakilis. Penalties: Catrakilis (3). Dropgoal: Catrakilis

Sharks 21(9): Penalties: Frederic Michalak (4). Dropgoals: Michalak (3)