THE Moruya Sharks were at home for the first time in 2015 on the weekend, when it faced the Merimbula/Pambula-Candelo/Bemboka joint venture at Ack Weyman Oval on Sunday.
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Due to the combined clubs, there were five games on the day with both Merimbula and Bemboka fielding women’s league-tag sides.
On a cool, overcast and wet day, the first grade sides took to the newly resurfaced oval in front of a surprising large crowd.
Moruya were close to full strength and was keen to take the outright lead in the Group 16 competition against fellow undefeated Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs.
As expected the Bulldogs came out enthusiastic and committed, frustrating the Moruya attack and testing the defence.
In the damp and greasy conditions, ball handling was difficult and resulted in tight defence and it limited expansive attacking play.
The Sharks were the first to break the deadlock when Matt Jones created a chance for Pat McMahon with a smart pass.
McMahon hit a gap and attracted two defenders prior to offloading to winger Shaun Staples who crossed out wide after 14 minutes.
It took another 15 minutes before Jake Clarke was able to post the next points when he skirted the defence before using his step, strength and palm to score close to the newly erected posts.
Dennis Green converted for a 10-nil lead.
A scuffle which followed a Moruya break sent Aaron Brierley and a Merimbula player to the sin bin for 10 minutes prior to the half-time siren and the score remained at 10-nil at the break.
Defence remained the focus in the second half as both sides endeavoured to keep the opponent scoreless.
Green was able to step his way through the Bulldog pack to post the first points of the second stanza after seven minutes.
He converted his own try to have the Sharks in a comfortable position at 16-nil.
Dillon Johnston was rewarded for another strong performance with a try in the 58th minute when he was able to crash over and when Green duly converted Moruya led 22-nil with 20 minutes remaining.
Kyle Brierley was taken off the field with 90 seconds remaining on the clock with a broken jaw.
He has been taken to Canberra for surgery and the club wishes him a quick recovery.
After full-time Moruya Sharks’ captain-coach Tim Weyman received the referee’s nod for the best player on the day.
Weyman for his part heaped praise onto his players for their defence and didn’t single out any one player.
Dean Scott received the players’ player award while others to impress in a great team effort included Luke Jay, Clarke, Johnston and Shane Colebrook.
Weyman also praised the effort of the Bulldogs, who gave Moruya its toughest hit-out to date with tenacious and committed defence.
Moruya club president Dave Farrell was also happy after the win as it gave the club five wins from five games across four grades – a feat never achieved before.
“It was a great day for the club, and all of the players should be proud of their efforts,” Farrell said.
Farrell was also please to see such a large and enthusiastic crowd in attendance and thanked all of the supporters and sponsors for turning up on the day.
The club was also pleased with the new playing surface, which held up well in the wet conditions despite five games being played.
“We have to thank the Shire boys for their hard work in getting the ground right for play,” he said.
Moruya are at home again next Sunday when it hosts Eden in four grades.
Under 18s will kick off the day at 10.30am and first grade starts at 2.30pm.
Moruya 22 (Tries: Shaun Staples, Jake Clarke, Dennis Green and Dillon Johnston. Goals: Dennis Green 3/4.) defeated Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs 0.