EAGLES SNEAK HOME

Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles maintained top spot on with a hard-fought 14-12 win over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads at the Berry Showground on Saturday.

Heavy rain greeted the two first grade sides as they made their way on to the field creating slippery conditions, which both sides struggled with at times.

The Magpies were first to score in unusual circumstances.

Hard-working Berry prop Steve Butler grubbered the ball close to the line and looked certain to score, but was tackled without the ball by veteran Eagles lock Cole Skelly.

Referee Greg Nolan had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try and dispatched Skelly to the sin bin. Sam Burns converted from in front.

Albion Park responded immediately when centre Simon Piminovs steamrolled his way over next to the posts and Sean Jenkins added the extras.

The Park went ahead when a good pass from Ian Jones set up Jenkins on the right side of the field, Skelly converted for a 12-6 half time lead.

Heavy defence dominated the second half but with 20 minutes to go Berry levelled the scores through a try to Sam Burns following on from some good lead up work from Tim Gallagher, with Matt Gallagher converting.

However minutes later Berry was reduced to 12 when second rower John Walker was sent off for a high tackle. A penalty goal by Skelly pushed the Park ahead 14-12.

Berry came agonisingly close to scoring with five to go, but referee Nolan ruled Berry winger Lloyd Williamson lost the ball as he crossed in the corner and the Park defence held firm in the dying stages.

Best for the Park were Steve Butfield, Derek Gray and Cole Skelly, while Daniel Struber, Rhys Sharpe and Tim Gallagher tried hard for Berry.

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