The Moruya Sharks travelled to Narooma on the weekend to continue the long local derby tradition of tough hard fought games against their cross-town rivals.
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Still without play maker Jake Clarke, the Sharks were wary of the third placed Devils, as they attempted to maintain their unbeaten run in Group 16 competition.
In addition to being a local derby, Narooma also celebrated their indigenous round with a welcome to country address and a display by indigenous dancers. The Narooma side also sported a bright Indigenous motif on their jersies as they took the field.
The Sharks started the game without their representative forward Michael Weyman, who was travelling back from Maitland, and was expected to be available in the second half.
The game commenced with both sides feeling each other out, the Sharks having the better of the field position early in the game. It took less than 15 minutes for them to convert this into points, with Vinnie Marino skirting the defence to plant the ball across the stripe. Aaron Brierley added the extras for the Sharks to skip to an early 6-0 lead.
Narooma responded when the ball was dropped from the kick-off, Tim Keegan forcing his way across the line next to the posts. The conversion locking the game up at 6-6.
The Sharks then took control, with tries to Luc Hill and Shaun Staples allowing them some breathing space at 16-6.
Despite being on top on the score sheet, the Sharks started to allow the Devils field position through poor ball control and ill discipline, giving away soft penalties late in the tackle count. The Devils kept up the pressure and were able to convert this field position into points, as Matt Swadling and Teig Wilton crossed over to give the home side a 18-16 lead at half time.
The start of the second half saw the beginning of the forecasted rain, with neither side able to control the ball in the greasy conditions.
The Sharks’ ill discipline cost them dearly when they had two players sent to the sin bin on separate occasions for back chatting the referee. On the second occasion, the referee overturned a penalty to the Sharks in front of the sticks, giving the Devils a free pass out of danger.
Despite the two man advantage, Narooma were unable to control the ball long enough to mount any real attack.
The Sharks drew level in the 57th minute, when they opted for two points from a Devils misdemeanor, Brierley slotting the equaliser with 22 minutes remaining.
Another dropped ball from the kick-off put the Sharks 12-man defence under pressure yet again. This time Narooma were able to capitalise when they swung the ball wide to their flying winger Roderigus Ceasar who appeared to be pushed into touch prior to grounding the ball over the line.
The officials adjudicated otherwise, pointing to the spot and awarding what would be a critical four point try. The drama and ill discipline continued for the Sharks, as Michael Weyman was given a 10 minute break in the bin for arguing with the referee over his decision to award the try.
The Sharks remained at 12 men, as Justin Bell returned to the field after his 10 minute break.
With 20 remaining and the rain continuing to fall, the game degenerated into a forward clash with neither team confident of expansive play in the greasy conditions. The Devils lost one of their own for 10 minutes, as the referee lost his patience with the on-field banter.
Both teams continued to struggle with ball security, and it took until the 73rd minute for the Sharks to finally post a second-half four pointer. The try came off a Michael Weyman charge, managing to drag three players over the line and planting the ball under the black dot.
Brierleys conversion meant the Sharks lead by two with six minutes remaining. The Sharks again dropped the ball, placing their defence under massive pressure, as Narooma rallied for a last ditch effort.
The Sharks were able to diffuse the dangerous situation, when a backline overlap was shut down with some desperate defence, forcing the Narooma winger across the sideline, managing to hang on for a narrow 24-22 victory.
While happy with the two competition points, Ill discipline a major concern for Sharks coach, Tim Weyman, with three players sent to the bin and numerous repeat sets from infringements late in the tackle count.
Weyman naming Dennis Green as his best, with Luke Jay and Luc hill also receiving praise from the coach. Green also awarded the Players’ Player vote, which includes a double fishing charter generously donated by Ron Ingram of Winda Woppa fishing charters.
Moruya 24: Tries: Vinnie Marino, Luke Hill, Shaun Staples, Michael Weyman
Goals: Aaron Brierley 4/5.
Narooma 22: Tries: Tim Keegan, Matt Swadling,Teig Wilton, Roderigus Ceasar
Goals: Lanie Wright ¾
Reserve Grade:
The reserve grade game was a tough affair shaped by rugged defence and strong running. The Sharks fielded a near full-strength side as they attempted to remain on top of the ladder with the Bega Roosters.
They skipped to a 6-0 lead through a try to Brent Pan early, before allowing the Devils to jump to a 12-6 lead. The Sharks hit back late in the half through tries to Jacob Hope-Hodgetts and Jacob Hill, going to the sheds with an 18-12 lead.
Tries to Zach Ingram and Merv Brierley, saw the Sharks skip away to a 30-12 lead, before Narooma scored late for a final score line of 30-18. The score could have been much greater to the Sharks if not for three tries being called back for forward passes.
Coach, Mick Cottington, was happy with the teams second half performance, nominating Jacob Hope-Hodgetts as his best and praising Zach Ingram and Ray Turner for their strong performance.
Mick Potts was named Players Player for his whole-hearted effort.
Moruya 30: Tries: Brent Pan, Jacob Hope-Hodgetts, Jacob Hill, Zach Ingram,
Merv Brierley.
Goals: Jacob Hill 5/5.
League-Tag:
With both teams fight for third spot on the ladder, Moruya had the advantage in the first round, but the She-Devils have since rallied to produce a winning run which included the scalp of front runners Bomballa.
The closeness of the contest was evident from the start, with both sides defending solidly. It took 20 minutes for the first score, with Narooma crossing first. The Sharkettes responded late through a late try to Rosie Scott, with Elka Pike’s conversion levelling the scores at 6-6 as the teams headed for the sheds.
The second half saw the She-Devils take control early with two quick tries, before the Sharkettes hit back with a try through Nicole Cowdroy.
A late try to Narooma meant their lead was extended to 22-12.
Stand-in coach, Tim Weyman, impressed with the commitment of the girls and praised them for a fine team effort.
The Sharkettes named Rosie Scott as their best, with Elka Pike and Jo Piggott praised for their strong performances.
Moruya 12: Tries: Rosie Scott, Nicole Cowdroy
Goals: Elka Pike 2/2.
