A second-half surge by the Moruya Sharks paved the way for a 42-18 win against the Cooma Stallions at Ack Weyman Oval on Sunday.
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A large crowd lined each sideline with anticipation to see former NRL player Michael Weyman wear the Sharks’ senior colours for the first time.
The Sharks were without centre Caine Brierley and winger Shaun Staples, forcing captain/coach Tim Weyman to use Sam Howlett in the centres and 17-year-old Cohen McGrath on the wing.
Cooma were determined to bounce back from a loss to Batemans Bay and shocked the Sharks to lead 12-nil.
The early deficit stung the Sharks into action and on the back of some good field position, Dean Scott was able to force his way across for a try.
The try brought the stunned home crowd to life and soon after Michael Weyman was introduced.
After two strong runs he looked settled but unfortunately his debut was short-lived as he nursed a lower back injury which forced him off the field after 10 minutes.
The Sharks continued to attack and on the back of a good break by Jake Clarke, who was pulled down only centimetres short of the line, the ball was passed to halfback Matt Jones who perfectly placed a cross-field kick into the hands of McGrath.
McGrath jumped over a defender but fell inches short of the try line.
Pat McMahon showed his quick-thinking skills and scurried over after a quick play-the-ball.
Green slotted the sideline conversion and the Sharks drew level 10 minutes from half-time.
Cooma caught Moruya’s defence napping three minutes from the break and scored a converted try to hit the lead.
Moruya responded with what looked to be a try to Hayden Murray on the half-time bell, but it was called back after a forward pass.
The captain spurred on his side and a blockbusting kick return by Tim put his Sharks on the offensive.
A few tackles later, the Sharks used the blind side and McMahon crossed for his second try just four minutes into the second stanza.
The home side finally took the lead off the back of good runs by forwards Shane Colebrook, Dillon Johnston and Jacob Hope-Hodgetts.
The backs found room against the back-stepping Cooma defence and Howlett crossed for a go-ahead try after he outpaced the cover defence.
The next time Moruya was close to the Stallions’ line, second-rower Dean Scott forced his way across and Green slotted the conversion to give the Sharks a 28-18 lead.
The Sharks continued to look dangerous with the ball in the final 20 minutes.
Clarke broke free of a two-man tackle on the sixth tackle and popped a pass to Green who scored his first try of the afternoon.
Murray was next to score off a good back line movement and Aaron Brierley provided the cherry on top when he chipped and regathered before finding Green on his inside.
The fullback brushed off the cover defence and scored his second try.
At full-time the Sharks were convincing winners with eight tries to three.
Tim Weyman said he was happy with the second-half performance and he praised his team for its commitment against a determined opposition.
He said he was reluctant to single out any one player and thanked his young wingers for stepping up from under 18s, along with Jacob Zutt and Jock McNaughton.
The referees gave the points to Clarke and Colebrook and Green received the players’ player award.
Moruya 42 (tries; Dean Scott 2, Dennis Green 2, Pat McMahon 2, Sam Howlett and Hayden Murray, conversions; Dennis Green 5/8) defeated Cooma Stallions 18.