MORUYA Sharks’ reserve grade side was keen to consolidate its win against Cooma with another victory against Narooma on Saturday.
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The Sharks had four under 18s in the line up as well as Shane Ayton, who donned the guernsey for the first time since 2012, along with his brother Brent, and Merv Brierley, who both returned from injury.
Barney Campbell gave his side a good start when he burst through the middle of the ruck to race 40 metres to score in the fourth minute.
The Sharks defence was frustrating the big Narooma pack, who could not find a way through.
Moruya capitalised on Narooma’s poor ball security to post further tries to Jacob Zutt, Cohen McGrath, Troy Potts and Jesse Robertson prior to half-time.
Leading 24-6 at the break, the Sharks continued to dominate with further tries to Lance Nye, Nathan McDiarmid, McGrath, Gavin Olive and Robertson.
The full time score of 50-10 a good indication of the Sharks attacking flair and resolve in defence.
Sharks’ secretary John Cornall said the team played “good across the board”.
“Justin Zutt was once again a standout playing with his son Jacob who was also solid,” he said.
“Halves Shane Ayton and Olive organised the attack, while Jack Keating and Lee Nye showed good vision out wide to set up many attacking raids.
“The best of the forwards was Barney Campbell, while Lance Nye, Brent Ayton, Jesse Robinson and Nathan McDiarmid were outstanding in attack and defence.” Moruya 50 (Tries; Jesse Robertson 2, Cohen McGrath 2, Barney Campbell, Jacob Zutt, Troy Potts, Lance Nye and Nathan McDiarmid. Goals; Craig Cottington 5, Gavin Olive) defeated Narooma 10.
She-Devils sink Sharkettes
The Moruya Sharkettes were downed by a well-drilled Narooma She-Devils outfit at Bill Smyth Memorial Oval on Saturday.
The home side proved too slick for the visitors, taking out the game 36-4 to remain undefeated after three rounds.
Narooma’s ball movement and speed on the fringes exploited the Sharkettes’ defence.
Moruya did not give in and was rewarded with late try to Hannah Cadogan.
While the ladies’ team remains winless, the Sharkettes have played the top three sides in the competition.
The players have shown enough to make coaches Lana Badullovich and Amber Weyman believe that their fortunes will turn around once they get a “little more structure and teamwork”.
Moruya fends off Batemans Bay
Moruya and Batemans Bay played the match of the day in the Group 16 under 18s competition at Bill Smyth Memorial Oval on Saturday.
The young Sharks looked disorganised and lacked commitment in the first 20 minutes and Tigers took control of the game and streaked to a 16-nil lead after 19 minutes.
The Sharks fought back and tries to Byron Brunhuber and Cohen McGrath pushed the score to 16-12 at half-time.
The Sharks’ defence stepped up in the second half and Niles Brigden was the beneficiary of a wayward pass when he raced 90 metres to post the equaliser.
Following Jacob Zutt’s conversion, the Sharks led 18-16.
The Sharks scored two more tries through Ryan Norris and Zutt and was leading 28-16 with 15 minutes to play.
A lack of a reserves meant the Tigers were reduced to 12 players when an injury forced a player from the field.
The numbers evened up when Moruya’s Kyle Monteith was given 10 minutes in the sin bin.
The Tigers took advantage of the space and Luke Wilson crossed for his third try of the afternoon, which was coverted, and the Tigers trailed by six with 12 minutes remaining.
A tense ending ensued with both teams looking to take the points.
Neither team was able to cross the try line and when the final hooter rang Moruya had won 28-22.
Moruya 28 (Tries; Byron Brunhuber, Cohen McGrath, Niles Brigden, Ryan Norris, Jacob Zutt. Goals; Zutt 4/5) defeated Batemans Bay 22.