SHELLHARBOUR Sharks maintained their undefeated record with a big 46-12 win over defending premiers Nowra-Bomaderry Jets at Ron Costello Oval, after running to a 24-4 lead at half time.
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After the thrilling games these two teams played last season, it was obvious early in the first half, which fans were not going to receive the same excitement.
The Jets scored the first try of the game after six minutes before the Sharks responded two minutes later and from that point the Jets were rarely in the game.
At times, they were their own worst enemy, conceding foolish penalties and conceding possession when in a scoring position.
On the other hand, Shellharbour made the most of their opportunities and with goal kicker Matt Carroll on the spot landing seven from eight, this added to the big margin.
Nowra-Bomaderry opened the scoring with a good try from winger James Jaggot after Brandon, Scott and Kershaw had handled but Craig Stapleton hit back after great work from Hans Schuster.
After only 12 minutes, Catania brushed off feeble defence to score for Carroll to goal and the Sharks led 12-4.
Following this, the Jets attacked but two foolish penalties for a shoulder charge and a lifting tackle did not help their attempt to bridge the gap.
Then Chapman and Sultuna combined to send Dane Sablowski over, for Carroll to goal, making it 18-4.
The Jets did not kick out from a penalty and they were penalised on a touch judge’s report.
Sultana ran well to send Sablowski in for his second try and when Carroll goaled, it was 24-4.
James missed a penalty for the Jets after the half-time siren.
Nowra-Bomaderry came back briefly on resumption with a runaway try by Ryan James.
But soon after, Schuster split the defence and fullback Satori showed his speed to score under the posts, for Carroll to make it 30-8.
Mid-way through the second half, Ryan James scored his second try after great work from Blattner, Johnson, and Bannon.
But again the conversion attempt was wide.
Winger Jamie Manakonga added a good try after a sweeping backline movement and then fullback Danny Satori made it a double and Carroll missed his first goal of the day.
Winger Jye Brooker, on debut for the Sharks, scored a good try after gathering from a kick and Carroll converted to complete the scoring.
For the winners, Hans Schuster, Craig Staplelton and Danny Satori were the stars and young five-eighth Many Sultana made a good debut.
Ryan James was outstanding for the Jets, while Kurt Quinlan and Geoff Johnson never stopped trying.