THE Moruya Sharks under 18s booked a preliminary final berth after a convincing 24-10 win against the Cooma Colts at George Brown Memorial Oval, Eden on Saturday.
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A hard-fought tussle was expected as each team had split a game as well as a draw through the season.
The Sharks were close to full strength with four on the bench and Jesse Robertson, Cohen McGrath, Chris O’Meley and Shane Brunhuber returning after being unavailable the previous week.
The game started as a close affair with both sides controlling possession and working for field position.
The Sharks were first to score through Byron Brunhuber, who crossed out wide.
Cooma hit back to take the lead with a converted try after 11 minutes.
It took another 15 minutes before Niles Brigden dummied his way across for a good individual effort to take the teams to half-time at 8-6 in favour of the Sharks.
Moruya exerted its superiority in the second with tries to Dakota Feirer, Roberston and Byron Brunhuber.
Jacob Zutt converted two of the tries to take the Sharks to a commanding 24-6 lead.
A late consolation try to Cooma had the teams greet the siren at 24-10 in favour of the Sharks.
Moruya coach Lee Nye said he was happy with the team’s performance and praised his young charges for what was a good team effort and for their commitment.
The win for the young Sharks gives them another shot at a grand final berth this Sunday when they face the Merimbula-Pambula-Eden combination at Merimbula.
Moruya Sharks president Dave Farrell said he was excited about the possibility of having three teams in the Group 16 grand final.
“It will be great for the club if we can do it,” Farrell said.
“I would have to look back through the records, but I doubt if we have ever achieved that before.”