Sharks Down Jets In Gutsy Show
Illawarra Mercury
Monday September 1, 2008
SHELLHARBOUR Sharks are celebrating another milestone with all three sides qualifying for the grand finals of the VB South Coast Rugby League after a superb performance at Ron Costello Oval yesterday.
The 24-22 win over Shoalhaven Jets in first grade followed a great comeback by the Sharks who were reduced to 12 men for around 50 minutes after their captain Gary Breakspear was sent-off for a dangerous tackle in the 30th minute. The numbers were evened up midway through the second-half when the Jets lost hooker Nathan Deaves who was sent-off for a similar tackle.The early stages of the game were tough and uncompromising and it took some good footwork by winger Tom Hewson to open the scoring in the 20th minute.The Jets looked well in control at 12-nil, a lead they took to half-time.A try by winger Josh Cuthbert got the Sharks on the board in the second-half. The penalty against the Jets, which followed Deaves' send-off, proved costly for the Jets as Sharks hooker Matt Cody darted over from dummy-half and Coelho landed his first conversion to close the gap to 12-10.The Jets looked to be losing their stranglehold on the game, but a brilliant solo try by half Michael Salafia, who darted 25m to score a converted try restored their eight point advantage at 18-10.But like the good side they are, the Sharks lifted again and in the 70th minute. Second-rower Nathan Cooper charged over to close the gap to four. Two tries in the space of five minutes by half-back Michael Yatras had the Sharks supporters dancing in the stands as their side took a 24-18 lead.In the final seconds of the match replacement Lyndon Booth dived over in the corner for the Jets leaving Ardler with a conversion from the sideline to tie the game. The kick was well wide and the Sharks claimed the first grand final spot.Nathan Cooper, Matt Cody, Michael Yatras and Scott Sablowski were best for the Sharks, while Bill Brown, Andrew Preston and Cole Green had big games for the Jets.Milton-Ulladulla is one win away from a dream home grand final following their 26-0 victory over Warilla-Lake South in the minor semi-final at Cec Glenholmes Oval on Saturday.The visitors led 4-nil at half-time and ground out a win to end the Gorilla's season.Blustery conditions played a part in the low-scoring first half. While impressive in the second half, the scoreboard perhaps flattered Milton and they will need to improve considerably in time for next week's final. Bulldogs coach David Hatch said the possibility of a home grand final was a motivating factor for his side, but was pleased with their discipline. "Our defence was great in the first half and it laid the platform for the win," he said. Lofts, Mackinnon and Sherwin were the standouts for Milton.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury