Sharks grab share of lead

SHELLHARBOUR City Sharks have grabbed a share of the competition lead in the VB South Coast Rugby League following their 26-16 win against Albion Park-Oak Flats at Centenary Field on Sunday.

In an oft-fiery contest riddled with penalties, the Sharks were able to control the tempo of the game against a flat Eagles side.

Josh Champion and Robbie Byatt both scored doubles for the visitors.

It looked like a potential rout for the home side when classy centre Jacob Boon scored before Shellharbour had even touched the ball for 4-nil.

Shellharbour returned serve shortly after though, Byatt scoring a converted try and Champion bagging his first off the back of a wave of penalties for a 12-4 buffer.

The Sharks dominated field position and the Eagles were punished for further ill discipline, Matt Carroll landing two penalty goals to put Shellharbour ahead 16-4 at the break.

Just as they started the first half in fine touch, the Park came out all guns blazing in the second stanza, replacement David Stone finishing off a clever backline movement to reduce the lead to six points.

The penalties continued to flow however, Carroll potting another goal for 18-10.

Following several high tackles the Eagles were perhaps lucky to retain their full complement on the field until prop Matthew Hingle was sin binned for a professional foul in the 58th minute.

Seconds later the visitors took advantage, Champion crossing for his second.

The Eagles refused to give up and Boon scored his second with ten minutes left to set up an exciting finish at 22-16, but the Sharks put it beyond doubt when Byatt scored off the back of another storming Champion run. The Sharks defence was a major factor in their victory, something coach Peter Yatras praised.

“The boys really muscled up when they had to and stuck together,” he said.

“A few people were critical of the way we played with against Warilla a few weeks back but today was the complete opposite: we played with a lot of passion and for each other.”

Phil Lopez, Gary Breakspear and Josh Champion were the standouts for Shellharbour, while Jade Lucas, Jacob Boon and Cole Skelly were the best for the Park.