The Sharks’ eight Group 16 representative players returned to the line-up and the home side looked lethargic at stages compared to the enthusiastic Roosters’ team, which showed plenty of enterprise in attack. 

The Roosters were first to bother the scorer when big centre Dylan Aldridge was able to cross out wide in the eighth minute. 

The game continued to move from end to end as both teams tried to gain an advantage. 

The Roosters were able to catch the Sharks’ defence out and winger Robbie Ringland cross-ed for the first of his two tries. 

The Sharks grew increasingly desperate to score before half-time but were left frustrated by the Bega defence.

Moruya posted its first points in the 25th minute when Patrick McMahon took it upon himself.

He broke through 60 metres out and pinned his ears back to outpace the cover defence and score under the black dot. 

Dennis Green easily kicked the conversion and Moruya trailed 10-6.

The score remained the same at half-time, despite both teams missing several opportunities to score.

The Sharks leapt to the lead early in the second half when Luke Jay barged over the try line.

Green slotted the conversion for a 12-10 lead.

Bega then hit back with a converted try of its own and regained the lead.

Moruya’s classy centre, Jake Clarke, then showed off his swerve, palm and foot speed as he shrugged off the defence for a brilliant four-pointer.

The Sharks seemed to take control when a dropped kick was scooped up by Shaun Staples who scored, and Green’s conversion gave the home side a 24-16 lead with just eight minutes remaining.

The Roosters were not done and showed the force it could be this season with its defence forcing error from Moruya.

Bega capitalised and scored to make it 24-20, Moruya’s way. 

With six minutes remaining it appeared that the Sharks had shut up shop, while Bega were determined to fight to the final play. 

The Roosters’ persistence paid off when captain-coach Ryan Apps crashed across the try line with just 90 seconds remaining to level the scores at 24-all.

As the siren sounded, Bega’s five-eighth James Bower-Scott slotted the conversion and the visitors had clawed out a 26-24 win. 

The Sharks were understandably disappointed by the loss and are determined to bounce back to the winner’s circle when the club travels to Batemans Bay next Saturday.

The best for the Sharks against Bega were Clarke, Dillon Johnston, Dean Scott and McMahon.

Bega Roosters 26 defeated Moruya 24 (tries: Patrick McMahon, Luke Jay, Jake Clarke and Shaun Staples.Goals: Dennis Green 4).