Both side were depleted for the mach, with the Sharks missing halves, Justin Bell and Jake Clarke, along with Shaun Staples and Joel Pietsch with the Bulldogs had just 7 regular first graders available for selection.

The Bulldogs were able to call on their joint venture partners Candelo-Bemboka United (CBU) to fill key positions, and provide a four man bench.

Neither side were able to gain ascendancy in the beginning in, as they worked their way into the contest. It took the sharks 10 minutes before a blind side raid by Aaron Brierley created room on the edge for Jermaine Connolly to cross out wide. From there, the home side were able  to get on top of their depleted opponents, posting four more tries prior to the half time break. Michael Weyman scored two from short range, while Caine Brierley touched down after a dropped kick in the in-goal. Dennis Green scored the final try before the break when he stepped and propped his way through four defenders to place the ball across the line. The Sharks went into to the break with a convincing  26-0 lead.

There was more of the same in the second as the a try in the opening minute to winger, Hayden Murray, set the tone for the half. Another 4 pointer to Michael Weyman took his tally to 3, before Caine Brierley crossed for his second, and his centre partner Vinnie Marino got in on the act with one of his own.  Aaron Brierley relishing his role in the halves chipped in with 2 tries to have the sharks leading at 58-0.

With the full time siren sounding in the background, the Bulldogs caught the sharks defence napping from a scrum, with the halfback Corey Schafer crossing for a consolation try. The fulltime score a convincing 58-6 win to the sharks.

Coach Tim Weyman named Aaron Brierley as his best, with Luc Hill, Alex Stewart and Caine Brierley also mentioned. Players’ Player was awarded to Luc Hill, who had backed up from the under 18’s. 

Next week the Sharks travel to Bombala to take on the much improved Blue heeler side in what could be a danger game for the undefeated sharks.

Moruya 54: Tries:  Michael Weyman 3, Caine Brierley 2, Aaron Brierley 2, Jermaine Connolly 1, Vinnie Marino 1, Dennis Green 1, Hayden Murray 1.

 Goals: Aaron Brierley 5.  Dennis green 1

Reserve Grade:

The reserve grade game was a rematch of the 2015 Grand Final against Candelo-Bemboka United (CBU). The Panthers had beaten the Sharks in round one, and the Sharks were determined to reverse that result in round eight.

The Sharks began well, dominating field position and possession. This was soon converted into points, with Zach Ingram crossing for two early tries, while Mick Potts, Brent Ayton and Barney Campbell also got on the score sheet. The Sharks raced to a 24-0 lead, before relaxing and letting CBU score on the halftime buzzer, the half time score 24-4.

CBU scored early in the second stanza to reduce the deficit to 14, which sparked the Sharks back into gear. Tries to Joey Brierley, Jacob Hill and Warren Potts took the game away from the visitors, the Sharks recording a 40-14 victory.

Among the best for the Sharks were Zac Ingram, who caused headaches for the opposition defence all day. The coach, Mick Cottington, nominated Ray Turner and Merv Brierley as his other standouts on the day. The players’ player award went to evergreen stalwart, Charlie Nye.

Moruya 40: Tries: Zach Ingram 2, Jacob Hill 1, Mick Potts 1, Brent Ayton 1, Barney Campbell 1, Joe Brierley 1,  Warren Potts 1.

 Goals: Charlie Nye 1, Jacob Hill 3

League-Tag.

The Sharkettes had two games on the day, due to both CBU and Merimbula-Pambula having League-Tag squads. Their first fixture was against the Merimbula-Pambula Hot Doggies, with the Sharkettes proving too strong across the paddock for the southern side. They posted four tries to one to take the match 22-4.

Rosie Scott was named the best on the paddock, with Ellie Doherty managing two tries. Others to impress were Lana Badullovich and Elka Pike.

Moruya 22: Tries: Ellie Doherty 2, Hannah Cadogan 1, Lana Badullovich 1.

Goals: Elka Pike 3/4.

The girls’ second game against CBU was a much tighter affair.  The Sharkettes jumped out to a 10-0 lead, before allowing the visitors back into the contest with a try right before half time. They extended their advantage after the break through a  second Hannah Cadogan try after the break, before again allowing the CBU side to get within striking distance, the score line 14-10.

This set up a nail biting final few minutes, as the CBU side seemed to have all of the possession and field position. The game looked lost to the Sharkettes when a high bomb was fumbled by Moruya in goal, with the southern side appearing to win the race for the ball. The referee conferred with his touch judges, before adjudicating that the Sharks had grounded the ball first. A line drop out ensued, and the Sharkettes were able to diffuse the CBU and hold on for a tight win.

Coach Shaun Pike was happy with the results and praised his side for backing up for their second game. Pike awarded Cadogan as his best, and nominated Ellie Doherty and Rosie Scott for special mention.

Moruya 14: Tries: Ellie Doherty 1, Hannah Cadogan 2,

  Goals: Elka Pike 1/3

Under 18’s:

The young sharks faced off against the Merimbula Pambula side in what was expected to be a close affair after their last match up ended in a draw. The Bulldogs were full of confidence after coming off a win against the undefeated Bega Roosters who have been premiers for the past three years.

The Sharks started poorly, allowing the Bulldogs in for two quick tries, only to cross over for two of their own soon after. The Sharks then conceded three unanswered tries in the last eight minutes of the first half to be behind 30-8 at the break.

The Sharks dressing sheds looking like an emergency ward, littered with injured players. Dan Thurlow urged his young chargers to stay in the contest by controlling the ball.

The Sharks hit the ground running in the second half, scoring in the first minute through Casey Jackson.   A double to James Bundy closed the gap to just 30-24, despite the teams scoring five tries apiece.

Unfortunately the Sharks could not maintain the intensity, allowing the bulldogs in for two late tries to go down 42-24.

Despite the scoreline, the Sharks have shown they can match it with the top sides in the competition. Unfortunately, ball handling and loss of concentration cost the young sharks dearly, as it allowed the opposition back in to the contest.

Coach Dan Thurlow was pleased with the commitment and effort from his young chargers, especially the determination they showed when injuries reduced numbers on the bench.

Thurlow nominated John Rodwell as his man of the match, and praised the efforts of Anthony Smith and James Bundy.

Moruya 24: Tries: James Bundy 3, Indianna Jones 1, Casey Jackson 1.

Goals: Cohen McGrath 1, Albert Murray 1.