THE Warilla-Lake South Gorillas have began their 2017 campaign in excellent style, thanks to a hard fought 16-12 victory over the Shellharbour City Sharks at Ron Costello Oval on Sunday.
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In another intense and amazing game between these two arch rivals, the Gorillas turned a six point deficit at half-time into a gusty and well controlled second half performance.
The Sharks started the day’s scoring through winger Jye Brooker, who was helped by a perfect right side transition from his inside men.
The Sharks led 4-nil.
Shellharbour stamped their authority further, as centre Ian Cantania crossed the white chalk from close range and skipper Hans Schuster scored a dummy half based try which gave the Sharks a 12-nil lead.
On the back of a penalty, the Gorillas scored a crucial try before half-time, as Tyson Brown received an amazing long cut ball from Aaron Henry.
Emmanuel Sultana nailed his sideline conversion as the Sharks led 12-6 at the break.
The second period proved to be fiery and intense as Warilla second rower Nick King barged over from close range against his former club, as the Gorillas trailed by two.
Warilla sealed the deal through Aaron Henry who fended off a few defenders from close proximity, which allowed for an easy conversion for Emmanuel Saltana.
Warilla managed to just hang on for a 16-12 victory and will now face Berry-Shoalhaven Magpies at Cec Glenhomes Oval next Sunday.
Nick King, Emmanuel Saltana, Jake Davidson, Chad Lisch and Aaron Henry were the standouts for Warilla. Dylan McGregor, Hans Schuster, Abraham Atallah, James Ralphs and Ian Cantania fought hard for the Sharks.
The Sharks will look to bounce back next Sunday as they take on the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs at Bill Andriske Oval.
Before the match commenced, both sides paid their respects as a minute silence was conducted in memory of Allan Clingan, who was a long time supporter of the Shellharbour City Sharks Club.
