The last time both teams met it resulted in a draw and a tight clash was expected.

However, the Sharks showed bite early and scored in the second minute before going on to earn the fourth win from six games. 

Moruya played with flair and class when it had the ball and scored eight tries and were uncompromised with its defensive duties.  

The side now boasts five regular first graders and other players are putting pressure on the selectors for consideration in the top grade.

The young Sharks are developing into a strong unit under coach Lee Nye and continue to improve. 

Nye said he was pleased with their effort and in particular their defence. 

He thought they could improve their ball security and they need to be more patient in attack.

The Sharks under 18s remain in second place and have a second shot at the top-placed Bega Roosters after this weekend’s general bye.

Moruya Sharks 44 (tries; Cohen McGrath 2, Jesse Robertson 2, Byron Brunhuber, Jacob Zutt, Niles Brigden and Indiana Jones, goals; Zutt 6/8) defeated Cooma Stallions 4. 

Fillies fly Cooma’s flag 

The Moruya Sharkettes hit the paddock against the strong Cooma Fillies and would have to be playing at their best to take the two points on offer in the women’s league tag match.

The Fillies flew out of the blocks and scored four first-half tries to lead 20-nil at half-time.

Moruya’s co-coaches, Amber Weyman and Lana Badullovich, sat the team down at half-time and told them to focus on having a straight line in defence and to move the ball around when attacking. 

The break seemed to rejuvenate Moruya and the home side was first to post points in the second half, with a try to Ellie Doherty.

The Fillies struck back with a converted try before the Sharkettes were able to complete the scoring with a try to Jasmine Campet.

The final score of 26-8 was not a true reflection of the Sharkettes’ second-half effort in outscoring Cooma two tries to one.

The coaches praised the girls’ effort and believe the team is playing as a cohesive unit and improving each week. 

The best for the Sharkettes were Erika Saines, Taylah Connaughton and Rosie Scott.

Cooma Fillies 26 defeated Moruya Sharkettes 8 (tries; Ellie Doherty and Jasmine Campet). 

Reserves remain undefeated 

Moruya Sharks reserve grade side took on the powerful Cooma Stallions in a tense match at Ack Weyman Oval.

The game began poorly for the Sharks when they gave away an early penalty. 

The visitors capitalised on the good field position and took a 4-nil lead after the first three minutes.

It took another 10 minutes before Moruya could reply through a try to winger Matt Cullen. 

The conversion by Craig Cottington gave the Sharks a slender 6-4 lead.

The Sharks made a mistake at the restart and Cooma equalised with a penalty goal. 

A wrestle ensued as both teams tried to gain ascendency. 

Cooma was next to be awarded a try despite what looked to be a dropped ball over the try line and converted to lead 12-6.

The Sharks managed to gain good field position and a fine Gavin Olive kick had the Sharks gaining repeat sets, trapping the Stallions in goal.

From the ensuing set Cooma gave away a penalty and with only seconds remaining in the first half, Cottington elected to kick for goal. 

The successful penalty goal put Moruya within four points at the break.

Despite coach Michael Cottington’s half-time plea to get the penalty count under control, the Sharks gave away two early in the second half, which piggy-backed the Stallions up the paddock. 

Cooma took advantage and stretched its lead to 16-8.

The Sharks immediately hit back through a strong individual effort by Billy Elliott and finally had the lead when Barney Campbell crashed over from a strong run.

Cottington’s conversion stretched the lead to 20-16.

The Sharks were on a roll and it was another forward in Justin Zutt who made the Stallions pay when he came up with another four-pointer and the successful conversion put the Sharks in front 26-16 with 12 minutes to play.

Cottington slotted another penalty goal in the 65th minute and the Sharks had a two-converted-try lead. 

Cooma had plenty of possession and field position in the final 10 minutes and finally cracked the Sharks’ resolute defence to score.

The home side then negotiated a tense few minutes and greeted the siren to win 28-22. 

Michael Cottington  was pleased with the effort, especially the defence, which has been the key to the team’s success this season.

Craig Cottington’s six goals from six attempts proved the difference as both sides scored four tries.

The best for the Sharks were Jacob Hope-Hodgetts who received three points, followed by Elliott and Olive.

Troy Potts took out the coveted players’ player award.

Moruya 28 (tries; Matt Cullen, Billy Elliott, Barney Campbell and Justin Zutt, goals; Craig Cottington 6/6) defeated Cooma Stallions 22.