Sharks' Bite Too Strong For Bulldogs

Illawarra Mercury

Monday July 28, 2008

By TIM KEEBLE

GROUP Seven leaders Shellharbour overcame a slow start to beat Milton-Ulladulla 34-24 at Ron Costello Oval yesterday.

The Bulldogs scored first and enjoyed the weight of possession before Shellharbour came to life with back-to-back tries to take a 10-6 lead into the break.

Winger Robbie Byatt's try two minutes into the second half triggered a Sharks onslaught, as the margin quickly blew out to 34-6 with 20 minutes remaining.

But just when the visitors appeared to have thrown in the towel, they gamely fought back with three converted tries.

While victory was never in doubt, Shellharbour coach Peter Yatras admitted the Sharks didn't go in for the kill.

"I was particularly pleased with the first 20 minutes of the second half, but we clocked off and gave them 18 points," Yatras said.

"If it's happening week in, week out it might be a concern, but that's the first time we've let a team come back and put three tries on us in the last 20."

The Sharks remained in the box seat for the minor premiership, gaining valuable breathing space on the third-placed Bulldogs and fellow contenders Albion Park-Oak Flats and Berry-Shoalhaven Heads.

They also avenged a 44-16 belting from the Dogs back in May at Mollymook.

Given that they last played on July 5, Yatras wasn't surprised his team's timing was off early in the battle.

"I expected us to be a little bit rusty after having 21 days off, but the boys defended really well early when Milton had a fair bit of ball," he said.

"From then on we played some pretty constructive football.

" We retained top spot, and to put on 32 points against a team that put 44 on you last time, it's a fair turnaround."

Meanwhile, premiers Albion Park-Oak Flats crashed to their third straight loss, going down 14-12 to Shoalhaven at Centenary Field.

Both teams passed up late penalty goal opportunities when Albion Park led 12-10 in the last 10 minutes, but the Jets went home with a valuable victory when Michael Salafia sent prop Andrew Preston through a gap to score the go-ahead try 90 seconds from full-time.

The Jets are outright second and have all but secured a top five spot in the club's inaugural season.

Berry-Shoalhaven Heads' charge to the finals hit a snag with a 36-18 away loss to Kiama.

Table: Shellharbour 23, Shoalhaven 22, Milton-Ulladulla 20, Warilla 20, Berry-Shoalhaven Heads 17, Albion Park-Oak Flats 17, Kiama 14, Gerringong 9, Batemans Bay 8.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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