THE Moruya Sharks hosted the third-placed Eden Tigers at Ack Weyman Oval in what was expected to be a tough encounter on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jake Clarke and Billy Halligan were unavailable and injuries to Tim Weyman and Dean Scott forced the Sharks to rely on some young recruits to step up to the plate.
The return of Sam Howlett at lock was a much-appreciated addition to the side.
The Sharks started sharp in attack, however, the home side’s defence was lacking in intensity and the Tigers took advantage to jump out to an early 10-nil lead.
Stung into action, Moruya worked its way into the contest by posting tries to young winger Cohen McGrath, Pat McMahon and hooker Luke Jay before the half-time break.
Dennis Green was unable to convert any tries and the half-time lead was a miserly 12-10.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first half, with Eden first to post points, racing to a 16-12 lead.
Moruya then regrouped and muscled up in defence.
Strong go-forward by Michael Weyman, Shane Colebrook, Jacob Hope-Hodgetts and Dillon Johnston provided a springboard for the back line.
Aaron Brierley then sparked the second-half resurgence when he took on the line, broke two tackles prior to offloading to a flying Green on the inside.
Green converted his own try for an 18-16 lead to the Sharks.
Moruya’s last two tries came off some classy back-line movement with the ever-present Caine Brierley the recipient of the final passes.
Green’s conversions put the game beyond doubt and at full-time the Sharks had won 30-16.
Eden should be commended for its perseverance and commitment, as they tested the Sharks’ resolve.
Among the best for the Sharks was their international recruit Michael Weyman, whose strong running and offloads provided a solid platform for the Sharks. He received the referee’s three points as well as the Sharks’ players’ player award.
Others to impress were Johnston, who continues to feature, along with Shaun Staples, who had a fine flanker’s game, being extremely safe under the high ball and dangerous in attack.
Aaron Brierley playing at five-eighth in Clarke’s absence showed some fine touches and created opportunities when most needed.
Jay, Green and Caine Brierley put in solid efforts in what was a fine team performance.
The club praised its under 18s who filled the vacancies in first grade.
McGrath, Jock McNaughton, Hayden Murray and Chris O’Meley performed creditably when required and showed that the step up in class was no barrier.
The Sharks travel to Eden next week to play the same side again, in what was the washout first round fixture, and expect a tougher opposition on its home turf.
Moruya 30 (tries: Caine Brierley 2, Cohen McGrath, Pat McMahon, Luke Jay and Dennis Green; goals: Dennis Green 3/6) defeated Eden 16.