With experienced and senior players Michael Weyman, Luke Jay, Jake Clarke, Dillon Johnston, Lee Nye and Aaron Brierley unavailable due to injury and other commitments, the Sharks hit the paddock with a very young outfit.

Coach Tim Weyman named Dennis Green as captain, and relied on experienced players David Gwynne, Justin Bell, Shane Colebrook and Caine Brierley to lead the side.  Jacob Hill, Brent Ayton, Brendon Ellis, Jacob Hope-Hodgetts and Zach Ingram all stepped up to fill holes in the Sharks’ line-up.

It didn’t take long for the Sharks to show they still had attacking flare with Shaun Staples able to cross out wide off a slick backline shift. Caine Brierley was next to score when he stepped and jinked his way into the corner for a four-pointer.

The Tigers managed to respond when given some repeat sets, crossing over adjacent to the posts. The conversion had the Sharks narrowly leading at 8-6.

It was the Sharks who had the final say in the half, with Caine Brierley creating space for Jermaine Connolly to score his side’s third. With the Sharks leading 12-6 at half time, coach Weyman praised the efforts of his young side and urged them to keep the defensive pressure on the Tigers.

The second half began with Eden taking advantage of some Sharks mistakes to have good field position. They were unable to breach the Sharks defence, however, as the young forwards led by Jacob Hill, Jake Zutt, Luc Hill and Alex Stewart defended stoutly.

Eventually, the defensive effort took its toll and the Tigers were able to get on the outside of the Sharks defence to score out wide, narrowing the scoreline to 12-10.

The Eden try allowed the Sharks to gain some field position as they worked towards the Tigers tryline. Halfback Justin Bell stepped up to take the game by the throat when he created opportunities for his side, scoring twice himself and then having the vision to kick early in the tackle count.  Shaun Staples was able to scoop up the rolling ball and cross the line unopposed to score his second for the day.

First grade debutant Zach Ingram finished off the scoring when he backed up a blindside raid to receive an inside pass and placed the ball over the stripe. The final score was 36-10. Coach Weyman praised his side for showing the depth the Moruya club has at its disposal.

“It bodes well for the clubs future when we have so many talented young players coming through the ranks,” club president Dave Farrell said.

Weyman named Jacob Zutt and also singled out Dennis Green and David Gwynne for their performances. Justin Bell was named players’ player.

The Sharks now have a week to prepare for the 2015 Grand final rematch against Bega when they return to Ack Weyman Oval next Sunday.

Moruya 36: Tries:  Shaun Staples 2, Justin Bell 2, Caine Brierley 1, Jermaine Connolly 1, Zach Ingram 1.  Goals:  Dennis Green 4/7.

Reserve Grade:

The Moruya reserve grade side was down in numbers and reliant on the U18’s to step up and help out their senior side. The team faced a much improved Cobargo side eager to prove they could match it with the undefeated Sharks outfit.

The match was an end-to-end affair, with neither side able to gain ascendancy. It took until the 20th minute for the first try to be posted with Jacob Hill proving dangerous from dummy half. Cobargo responded soon after to take the lead 6-4, as the teams headed to the sheds for half time.

The second half began well for the Sharks when U18 player, James Bundy, hit the line at pace and strolled through the Cobargo defence to have the Sharks leading 10-6.

Another break and some good ball interplay by the backs had the ever-present Ray Turner crossing the line for another Sharks four pointer, Moruya skipping to a 14-6 lead.

Cobargo did not panic and with some time in possession, they began to exert some pressure on the Sharks defence, crossing for a converted try with 10 minutes remaining to take the score to 14-12 in favour of the Sharks.

The Sharks remained under pressure, and conceded possession far too many times through poor ball control and poor options.

This opened the door for Cobargo, who were able to post a try adjacent to the sticks to take the lead and the game 18-14.

Coach, Mick Cottington, while disappointed with the loss, praised the support from the U18s and reinforced with his players the need to get to training and to commit to the final few rounds.

Cottington nominated Brent Ayton as his best on the day with others to impress being Ray Turner, Jacob Hill and James Bundy. James Bundy was  named as players player by his peers.

Moruya 14: Tries:  Jacob Hill 1, Ray Turner 1, James Bundy 1.

                     Goals:  Jacob Hill 1/3.

League-Tag:

The girls played out a tough match against the combined Cobargo-Eden Outfit in which defence was the main focus. Elka Pike scored the only try of the first half, with the ensuing conversion helping the Sharkettes to a slender 6-0 lead at half time.

There was a similarly conservative start to the second half, with the Sharks eventually able to score their second try through Maisie Place. Hannah Cadogan added another four pointer of her own prior to the girls conceding a late try to the opposition. Nicole Cowdroy was praised by the coach for affecting 35 tags in the 50 minutes of play.

The Sharkettes eventually ran out 16-4 winners to cement a top four spot.

Coach, Shaun Pike, nominated Hayley Johnston as his best, with Elly Doherty and Rosie Scott also receiving praise for their efforts.

Moruya 16: Tries:  Elka Pike 1, Maisie Place 1, Hannah Cadogan 1.

                     Goals:  Elka Pike 2/3.

Under 18’s:

After a three week lay-off, the Sharks U18s were keen to get back on the paddock. The side had good numbers as they made their way up to Eden for the match-up. As was the case in the first round, the Sharks proved far too strong for the combined Cobargo-Eden side, scoring at will in the first half to lead 36-6 at the break.

The second half was a much tighter affair, with Eden showing more resolve in defence, and the Sharks conceding field position and possession through poor handling and discipline.

The young Sharks kept their composure to secure a comfortable 42-10 win.

Coach, Dan Thurlow, was happy with the teams performance ahead of their clash with front-runners, Bega this week. Thurlow named debutant, Finbar McNaughton, as his best. Others to impress the coach were Luc Hill who scored four tries, and Anthony Smith who worked hard all day.

Moruya 42: Tries:Luc Hill 4, Byron Brunhuber 1, Fin McNaughton 1, Reese Nye 1.

                     Goals:  Corey Arnold 6/6, Fin McNaughton 1/1.