THE Moruya Sharks claimed their third consecutive Group 16 minor premiership after news filtered back that their rivals, Bega Roosters, failed to knock-off Cooma by more than 27 points.
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The Sharks, who had a bye on Sunday, sat in first position with a 261-point difference and Bega was perched in second with +234.
On a cold, wet and windy day in Cooma the Roosters held on to win 20-18 against the Stallions, but it was not enough to pass the top-ranked Sharks.
Sharks’ president Justin Zutt was rapt the club had won its third minor premiership in a row.
“We did not know we had it until after the weekend but it is great,” Zutt said.
“It gets the major semi-final at home for the boys and the town.
“Our last home game against Narooma was the biggest we have had all year and we’re hoping to see the same.”
The Sharks will host their opponents from last year’s grand final on August 31 at Ack Weyman Oval.
“Bega have a good young side and their standards have crept up,” Zutt said.
“However if our boys put it together they should do well.
“We’ve got a good side and they have to go out, play their game and hopefully go straight through to the grand final.”
The Sharks reserves, Sharkettes and under 18s failed to take to the field on Sunday due to wet weather field closures.
The continuing closures have put a “dampener” on the build up to the semi-finals.
This weekend the reserves, Sharkettes and under 18s will play minor semi-finals at Narooma.
The reserves will face Bega in what should be an entertaining game and the Sharkettes will tackle Narooma in league tag.
The under 18s will face Cooma, the team they earned their first win against on August 10.
In first grade Narooma and Eden will play for the right to face the loser of the Moruya and Bega major semi-final.