Moruya 14 defeated Bombala 12 at Bombala
Moruya and Bombala fought out an exciting 26 all draw in the opening round of the season, since then Bombala has beaten all opposition. The competition leaders were at full strength while Moruya fielded a side missing Sam Howlett and Finbar McNaughton but welcomed Caine Brierley back from injury.
The game was just 2 minutes old when powerhouse Sharks forward Dean Scott smashed his way through the defensive line for a fine try. However, this early advantage was negated just two minutes later when Bombala ‘s Andrew Guthrie finished off a long run off a line break to score close to the posts. After just five minutes, it was Bombala 6 Moruya 4.
The rest of the half was a thrilling spectacle, with both sides ripping into each other in a fast-flowing game that had the crowd enthralled. With Chris Rose and Gavin Olive leading the team around the paddock, Moruya had the better of play, showing better ball security and exerting good field position pressure on the home team. Twice the Sharks lost the ball near and over the try line and exceptional Bombala defence repelled several near tries. At the same time Bombala played good rebound rugby league and always looked capable of scoring their trademark long distance tries and only desperate last line defence by Moruya held them at bay. A Jacob Zutt penalty goal on the last play of the half saw both teams go to the sheds locked at 6 all.
Moruya coach Neil Williams was very buoyant in the sheds. The team was playing direct football, fast and skilled and they were confident they could beat the home team. He was very happy with their ball control and saw opportunity for the side to exploit some weaknesses wide of the ruck.
The second half was a mirror of the first, with Moruya having the better of field position. The defence from both sides was superb as both sides scrambled to cover some exhilarating attacking moves. Moruya scored wide out with tries to Vinny Marino (49th min) and Shaun Staples (69th min) to take a 14-6 lead with ten minutes to play. Bombala attacked the Sharks line for most of that time, earning four consecutive sets of tackles, and the pressure finally told when their prop Adam Rodwell score under the post. With two minutes to go, Moruya 14 Bombala 12. An error soon after the kick off gave Moruya the ball and they held on to it until the final siren.
For Moruya, Dean Scott was easily the best player on the field, though Jacob Hill and Jacob Zutt were not far behind him. Moruya won by being the better composed team and it was only exceptional defence from both teams that stopped the game from being a high scoring affair. The win sees the Sharks consolidate third position on the ladder. In other games Bega blitzed Batemans Bay 32-10 while Comma returned to the winners list with a tight 26-24 win over Narooma. The ladder after Round 8 is Bombala 13pts, Bega 12pts, Moruya 11pts, Batemans Bay 8pts, Merimbula, Narooma and Cooma all on 6pts.
Moruya now get two weeks off with a bye next week and the long weekend, though Reserve Grade has games scheduled for both these weeks.
