The Panthers were a big side with plenty of reserves to draw upon, while the Sharks were somewhat depleted having to rely on under 18s players to fill key positions.

However, the Sharks were boosted by the return of Aaron Russell and Adrian Andy and fielded a competitive side.

In the wet and greasy conditions the Sharks began the game well and controlled possession. 

In the fourth minute Craig Cottington forced his way over the try line and converted to give the Sharks a 6-nil lead.

Bemboka equalised in the 12th minute and a gripping arm wrestle ensued until half-time, with the score 6-all at the break.

Bemboka scored twice early in the second half with its larger forward pack leading the way.

The Sharks needed a spark and Lee Nye delivered it when he squeezed between two defenders before popping a pass to Jack Keating, who scored out wide.

Cottington’s conversion reduced the margin to just two points with 20 minutes to play.  

The Panthers were on the attack, but Moruya’s defence held firm, although the Sharks looked to be out on the feet after Gavin Olive was taken from the field with concussion and Shane Ayton with a recurring knee injury. 

The Sharks re-took the lead through Andy and when Cohen McGrath crossed the try line, the home side led 20-14 with nine minutes to play. 

Bemboka pressed but couldn’t find a hole in the Sharks’ defence as the home side came away with a 20-14 win. 

Coach Michael Cottington said he was pleased with his boys’ efforts and praised them for their defence. 

The players’ player award went to Brent Ayton, who gave a great performance up front, while the coach gave special mentions to under 18s player Jesse Robertson for his strong performance and to Merv Brierley, who worked hard all day. 

Moruya 20 (Tries: Craig Cottington, Cohen McGrath, Jack Keating and Adrian Andy. Goals: Craig Cottington 2/4) defeated Candelo-Bemboka 14.  

Sharkettes double up 

THE Moruya Sharkettes ran circles around its opposition at Ack Weyman Oval on Sunday and won its first two games of the season in the Group 16 women’s league tag competition.

The Sharkettes faced newly formed Candelo-Bemboka in game one and Merimbula-Pambula in the second. 

Moruya showed more resolve in defence than in previous weeks in the opening minutes as the marker defence stifled Bemboka’s attack.

Hannah Cadogan got her team on the score board and converted her own try to put her side ahead 6-nil after 10 minutes. 

Hannah Whiting scored another try minutes later and Jen Roqica slotted the conversion to give the Sharkettes a 12-nil lead at half-time. 

The Sharkettes continued in the same vein in the second stanza as both Whiting and Cadogan posted another try each.

Bemboka had some success, scoring two quick tries, but the match was sealed by Cadogan who ran in two more tries late in the game to give her four for the match.

Moruya 30 (Tries: Hannah Cadogan 4, Hannah Whiting 2. Goals: Hannah Cadogan, Hannah Whiting, Jen Roqica) defeated Candelo-Bemboka 8. 

In the second game the Sharkettes played the experienced Pambula-Merimbula Hot Doggies.

The conditions had deteriorated after Moruya’s morning match but the home side continued from where it had left off.

Cadogan proved to be a try-scoring machine and scored a brace to give her side a 12-nil lead at half-time.

The Sharkettes continued to grow in confidence and raced ahead to 20-nil with tries to Tash Brunhuber and Maisie Place.

The Hot Doggies scored a late consolation try before the full-time whistle.

Moruya won 20-6 which drew cheers from the home crowd. 

Sharkettes’ co-coach Amber Weyman praised the team for its effort and singled out Cadogan, Ellie Doherty, Erica Saines and Rosie Scott for their performances. 

Despite good numbers co-coach Lana Badullovich decided to pull on the boots and support her side on the field. 

“Her experience and composure was a bonus for the young Sharkettes side,” Sharks secretary John Cornall said.

Moruya 20 (Tries: Hannah Cadogan 2, Tash Brunhuber, Maisie Place. Goals: Jen Roqica 2) defeated Pambula-Merimbula Hot Doggies 6. 

Sharks win shorthanded match 

THE representative round for Group 16’s under 18s and under 16s teams was played on the weekend, which reduced Moruya’s under 18s side to just 11 players for its clash against Merimbula-Eden on Sunday. 

The equalisation rule was enforced with both teams were given more space with 11 players on each team.

However, the visitors had three reserves and the Sharks had no one to call on.

The Sharks controlled the ball early in the match and stunned the Bulldogs, who had no answer to the Sharks’ attacking flair around the ruck.

The home side raced to a 14-nil lead with two tries to Niles Brigden and one to Indiana Jones.

A try to the Bulldogs was quickly responded to when Jones crossed for his second.

Fatigue became a problem for the Sharks late in the first half and the Bulldogs closed the gap with two quick tries as the Sharks led 20-14 at the break.

Moruya’s coach Lee Nye spoke to his young troops about ball control at half-time as he believed it would help the Sharks conserve energy to defend against the bigger Bulldogs forward pack.

Merimbula-Eden was the first to post points in the second half and levelled the scores but Moruya retook the lead with converted tries to Dakota Feirer and Hayden Murray. 

Fatigue was an issue late in the second half for Moruya and the Bulldogs took advantage to score another try.

Murray slotted a penalty goal shortly after which gave the Sharks a crucial eight-point lead with four minutes to play.

The fast-finishing Bulldogs scored again to trail by two points with 90 seconds remaining to set up a thrilling finish.

Moruya held firm in front of its home crowd and diffused expansive play from the Bulldogs to win 34-32. 

Nye was glowing in his praise for the boys who were triumphant against the odds and singled out Brigden and Jesse Robertson for their efforts. 

Moruya 28 (Tries: Brigden 2, Indiana Jones 2, Dakota Ferier, Hayden Murray. Goals: Murray 4, Niles Brigden).