Marlins Roll Bulls ... And Blow Cover

Illawarra Mercury

Monday June 16, 2008

By MICHAEL COX

SHELLHARBOUR coach David Walsh says his team will go from being the hunters to the hunted after defeating the Sydney Bulls 26-18 at Ron Costello Oval yesterday.

The Marlins recovered from a 18-16 half-time deficit to score an impressive five tries to three victory over the perennial Jim Beam Cup contenders.

The victory was the Marlins' ninth in a row, more than doubling their win total from last year.

But Walsh says the winning run also means his side won't be sneaking up on opposition teams anymore.

"In the last three weeks, we've played two of the top three teams and beat them," Walsh said.

"Other teams will be pumping up to play us each week and we just have to be a step ahead and know that it's going to be a greater challenge now because we've probably got a bit of a reputation."

Playing into a strong wind in the first half Shellharbour led 10-0 after as many minutes.

Jeffrey Zwolsman crossed after five minutes before a spectacular effort by back-rower Jardine Bobongie had the crowd on their feet.

Bobongie broke free down the right edge and put a wobbly kick infield, Blake Bureau got a boot to the ball and it sailed high into the air before landing back in the arms of Bobongie, who crashed over.

After conceding a soft try, a long range effort from speedy fullback Ian Catania gave the Marlins a 16-6 lead after 23 minutes.

The Bulls fought back with another close range effort before burly Sydney five-eighth Nathan Wynn produced a one-on-one strip and 50m run to score and take a 18-16 lead to the sheds.

The Marlins then held the Cup's best attacking team scoreless in the second half and scored tries through centre Kieran Stewart and bench forward Craig Paku.

Walsh said the defensive effort against a team that had been averaging over 40 points a game is what pleased him most.

"They kept coming all day but our defence was rock solid," he said.

We had blokes eager to get on the loose balls, diving in front of two or three blokes, putting their heads where the other blokes (the Bulls) weren't prepared to do it. It just come down to a bit more guts and determination out of our boys."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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