The Sharks ventured into Bay Tigers’ territory and played at Mackay Park as Ack Weyman Oval was closed for resurfacing work. 

The Sharks fielded a strong line-up and three players, hooker Luke Jay, second-rower Kyle Brierley and forward Jacob Hope-Hodgetts, made their debuts in first grade.

The Sharks were keen to start the season well and in the second minute Jake Clarke, playing at five eighth, dummied and split a gap between two defenders to open his team’s account with a 40-metre solo effort.

The try opened the floodgates for captain/coach Tim Weyman, Pat McMahon, Hayden Murray, Caine Brierley and Clarke, who all scored before half-time.

Dennis Green slotted six conversions and Moruya soared to a 44-nil lead against the re-formed Bombala side. 

Moruya’s speed on the fringes and its finesse were too much for Bombala. 

In the second half Bombala played better defence and made the Sharks work much harder for field position. 

The Sharks were just as determined to keep the Blue Heelers scoreless and showed some strong resolve in defence.

The Sharks put on 20 unanswered points in the second half from tries by Caine Brierley, Dean Scott, Weyman and Jay. 

Green kicked another two conversions for a full-time score of 64-nil.

Moruya Sharks’ president Dave Farrell said the first grade side looked sharp and was impressed by the halves combination.

“The work of Matt Jones at halfback in combination with Jake Clarke at five eighth saw good ball to the outside backs who were able to capitalise with points out wide,” Farrell said.

“Jones’s kicking game was another feature with astute kicks in general play and deft touches to force goal-line drop-outs from the tired Bombala side.”

Green was awarded three points by the referees and Weyman earned two points.

“But there was no real standout in a side that dominated and functioned well as a team with everyone contributing,” he said.

“Jacob Hope-Hodgetts came up with some big runs and impressed all with his determination and enthusiasm on debut. 

“It’s probably the first of many in the top grade.”

Next week the Sharks travel to Cooma to take on the Stallions, in what is expected to be a close encounter.

The Sharks plan to field a solid side with fitness concerns only on Jermaine Connolly (shoulder), Aaron Brierley (knee) and Brent Ayton (elbow).

Moruya 64 (tries: Clarke 2, McMahon 2, Murray 2, Weyman 2, C Brierley 2, Scott and Jay, goals: Green 8/12) defeated Bombala nil.