Time To Deliver, Sharks Warned

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday April 12, 2008

By TIM KEEBLE

SHELLHARBOUR coach Peter Yatras has urged the Sharks to match Gerringong's staying power in this afternoon's confrontation at Ron Costello Oval.

The Sharks almost stole a remarkable comeback victory against Warilla last week before the gritty Gorillas got out of jail with a last-gasp try.

Yatras has placed a big emphasis on defence and told his players to perform this week or be dropped.

"We're certainly not panicking one game into the season, but a few players have been put on notice and given one more chance to perform this weekend," the coach said.

"We want to start much more positively and our ball control needs to be better than last week.

"There were some defensive issues and a couple of other areas we've addressed this week.

"No-one was dropped, but I've made a few positional changes which will hopefully rectify our defence."

Gerringong accounted for Kiama last week and are keen to make it two victories on the trot.

Yatras respects the Lions' ability to pull together in crunch time.

"They're a team that plays with passion and plays for each other, and you always know they'll stay in it and keep coming until the 80th minute," he said.

Meanwhile, Milton-Ulladulla coach David Hatch believes tomorrow's home meeting with Warilla will provide a much tougher test for his team than their round one 40-10 thrashing of Batemans Bay. The Bulldogs were one of the busiest clubs in the off-season, signing a host of new players, including a pair of Fijian internationals and veteran prop Mick Blattner.

"Batemans Bay were a bit under-strength so we're certainly not getting carried away with the result.

"The Bay are struggling financially and they've lost players," Hatch said.

"They're doing the best they can and bringing in their young blokes, but there's a few under 18 guys there and it might be a bit early for them."

Also joining the Bulldogs were Rowan Brown, Nathan Barry and Chris Timmins.

Milton were disappointing in 2007, ranking as one of the competition's worst defensive teams.

But Hatch is working hard to transform the Dogs into one of Group Seven's top defensive units.

"Last year we dropped three or four games by a couple of points and the priority for me right now is to get our defence in order," he said.

"Obviously we want to make the semis, but we just want to focus on being competitive each week and Warilla will be a tough test for us."

Warilla coach Peter Hooper said the Gorillas were looking forward to the match.

"They're always good at home and provide a good gauge, so it'll be good to see where we're at," Hooper said of the clash.

Berry-Shoalhaven Heads host Batemans Bay in today's other game, while Kiama took on Albion Park-Oak Flats last night and Shoalhaven have the bye.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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