THE Warilla-Lake South Gorillas continued their strong form at home in 2017 with a gutsy 32-24 victory over a never say die Shellharbour Stingrays side at Cec Glenhomes oval on Sunday.
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In a nail biting and amazing game of rugby league, the Gorillas prevented a possible come from behind Stingrays victory through showing desperation in their defence.
A much improved Stingrays side were dangerous in attack and trailed by two with less than a minute left before the full-time siren.
On the last play of match, the Gorillas turned scrambling defence into scintillating attack as Nick King scored an excellent final try which put the game to bed.
After forcing mistakes in opposition territory, the Gorillas got on the scoreboard first through Craig Nolan, as the Gorillas jumped to early 4-nil lead.
The Stingrays returned serve in fine style through Jay Robinson who crossed over from close range before back-rower Andrew Nobbe posted the try of the match, as he was assisted by an excellent chip kick and regather by Hamish McLaurin.
The Stingrays led 8-4.
Warilla got back into the contest as Craig Nolan clinched a double and Jake Rosewarn scored – after he came up with the goods on the back of a charge down as the Gorillas led 16-8.
The Stingrays got themselves back into the lead as a 70-metre range effort paved the way for a Jay Robinson double.
Andrew Welsh was assisted by a perfect cut out ball from Hamish McLaurin who slotted two goals as the Stingrays led 20-16.
Both sides were reduced to 12 men as Stingrays captain coach Dean Gray and Warilla forward Daniel Shields were sin binned by referee Sam McDonald.
Fatigue started to creep into the game which allowed for both sides to chance their arm in attack.
A hard working Nick King and speed star Emmauel Saltana gave the Gorillas a 26-20 lead but there would be more twists and turns in the final chapter, as Stingrays winger Jade Hemopo posted a vital try the visitors.
Hamish McLaurin couldn’t lock the scores up with his sideline conversion attempt as they trailed by two.
The siren went off as the Stingrays couldn’t produce the miracle they needed as Nick King secured a double and Emmauel Saltana put the icing on the cake with his conversion as the Gorillas ran out winners by 32-24.
Andrew Diomei, Emmauel Saltana, Craig Nolan, Nick King and Jay Rosewarn were terrific for the Gorillas while Sean Jenkins, Andrew Welsh, Hamish McLaurin, Dean Gray and Jay Robinson were outstanding for the Stingrays.
