THE Jamberoo Superoos have snatched the 2017 Group 7 minor-premiership with a gritty 16-4 win over the Gerringong Lions at Kevin Walsh Oval on Saturday afternoon.
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The win, combined with Port Kembla’s upset victory over Shellharbour City means Jamberoo will now take the first week of the finals off, while Gerringong will now face Warilla in a sudden-death match on Saturday.
While both sides boast some impressive strike power, Saturday’s game was one where points were hard to come by as both sides turned in strong defensive displays.
The opening stages of the game saw Jamberoo dominate possession and field position but they couldn’t find a way to crack the Lions’ line.
Just as it looked like the Lions had weathered the storm, a 40/20 put Jamberoo back on the attack and the Lions were forced to turn in another period of defence.
When the Lions did have the ball, they showed some promising signs, however their usual high level of execution seemed to desert them at times and they cruelled a number of chances.
With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, the game’s opening points finally appeared when Jamberoo’s Mark Asquith crossed.
The fullback attacked the Lions down the short side and was too strong to stop.
Dean Watling’s conversion attempt was waved away and the Superoos would take a 4-nil lead into the break.
The opening of the second half mirrored the first as both sides were again required to turn in extended periods of defence.
Jamberoo were presented with an early chance to extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty directly in front of the posts, but they elected to keep the pressure on the Lions.
It looked like they had made the right decision when back-rower Corey Grigg reached out, but he was called back for a double movement and the 4-nil score line remained.
While the Lions had managed to keep Jamberoo out, they continued to do themselves little favours with the ball as their poor handling kept giving possession back to Jamberoo.
With 20 minutes remaining in the match Jamberoo managed to extend their lead.
Gerringong gave away a costly penalty when defending their line and in the next set a perfect off-load from Brendan Smith sent Jayde Tooth in under the posts.
Watling converted for a 10-nil lead.
Gerringong found themselves attacking Jamberoo’s line following Tooth’s try but couldn’t find a way through.
Centre Toby Gumley-Quine came the closest to scoring, but he was barrelled in to touch in-goal when trying to sneak over from dummy-half.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, Jamberoo would score what would prove to be the match winner.
Asquith followed his own kick and came down with the ball before diving over next to the posts.
Watling’s second conversion pushed the score out to 16-nil.
The Lions gave it everything they had in the dying stages, but were only rewarded with a try to winger Joel Doosey right on the stroke of full-time.
In a physical affair, Asquith, Jake Clarke and Josh Kent were Jamberoo’s best while Kal Collins, Lloyd Bowen and Michael Brown did all they could for Gerringong.