Sharks bite down on Bombala’s undefeated run

The Sharks were missing Sam Howlett and Finbar McNaughton from their first-grade side, but welcomed Caine Brierley back from injury.

The game was just two-minutes old when powerhouse Sharks forward Dean Scott smashed his way through the defensive line for a fine try. 

This early advantage was negated just two minutes later when Bombala‘s Andrew Guthrie finished off a long run off a line break to score close to the posts.

Memories of the exciting 26-all draw in round one were coming back, with the score 6-4 to the Blue Heelers after just five minutes of play.

The rest of the half was a thrilling spectacle, with both sides ripping into each other in a fast-flowing game that had the crowd enthralled.

With Chris Rose and Gavin Olive leading the team around the paddock, Moruya had the better of play, showing better ball security and exerting good field-position pressure on the home team.

Twice the Sharks lost the ball near and over the try line, and some exceptional Bombala defence repelled several other chances.

Bombala played good rebound rugby league, and always looked capable of scoring their trademark long distance tries.

A Jacob Zutt penalty goal on the last play of the half saw both teams go to the sheds locked at six-all.

Moruya coach Neil Williams was very buoyant in the sheds. The team was playing fast, direct football, and were confident they could beat the home team.

Coach Williams was very happy with their ball control, and saw opportunity for the side to exploit some weaknesses wide of the ruck.

The second half was a mirror of the first, with Moruya having the better of field position. The defence from both sides was superb, as they scrambled to cover some exhilarating attacking moves.

Moruya hit Bombala out wide, with tries to Vinny Marino (49 minutes) and Shaun Staples (69 minutes) building a 14-6 lead with ten minutes to play.

Bombala were on the attack for most of that time, earning four consecutive sets. The pressure finally told when prop Adam Rodwell scored under the posts, giving Moruya two nervous minutes to hold on to a 14-12 lead.

An error soon after the kick off gave Moruya the ball, and they held on to it until the final siren.

Dean Scott was easily the best player on the field for the Sharks, though Jacob Hill and Jacob Zutt were not far behind him.

Moruya won by being the better composed team, and it was only exceptional defence from both teams that stopped the game from being a high scoring affair.

The win sees the Sharks consolidate third position on the ladder.

Moruya now get two weeks off with a bye next week and the long weekend, though reserve grade has games scheduled for both  weeks.