SHELLHARBOUR City Sharks have had the ideal warm-up for this weekend's top-of-the-table clash with Gerringong Lions, thumping reigning premiers Nowra-Bomaderry Jets 46-12 at Ron Costello Oval on Sunday.
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After the thrilling games these two teams played last season, it was obvious early in the first half that fans were not going to receive the same excitement.
The Jets scored the first try of the game after six minutes before the Sharks responded two minutes later, and from that point the Jets were rarely in the game and at times were their own worst enemy, conceding foolish penalties and giving away possession when in a scoring position.
On the other hand, Shellharbour made the most of their opportunities and with goalkicker Matt Carroll landing seven from eight this added to the big margin.
Nowra-Bomaderry opened the scoring with a good try from winger James Jaggot after Brandon, Scott and Kershaw had handled but Craig Stapleton hit back after great work from Hans Schuster.
After only 12 minutes Catania brushed off feeble defence to score for Carroll to goal and the Sharks led 12-4. Following which the Jets attacked but two foolish penalties for a shoulder charge and a lifting tackle did not help their attempt to bridge the gap.
Then Chapman and Sultuna combined to send Dane Sablowski over for Carroll to goal 18-4. The Jets did not kick out from a penalty and they were penalised on a touch judge's report. Sultana ran well to send Sablowski in for his second try and when Carroll goaled it was 24-4. James missed a penalty for the Jets after the half-time siren.
Nowra Bomaderry came back briefly on resumption with a runaway try by Ryan James but soon after Schuster split the defence and fullback Sartori showed his speed to score under the posts for Carroll to make it 30-8.
Mid-way through the second half Ryan James scored his second try after great work from Blattner, Johnson, and Bannon but again the conversion attempt was wide.
Winger Jamie Manukonga added a good try after a sweeping backline movement and then fullback Danny Sartori made it a double and Carroll missed his first goal.
Winger Jye Brooker, on debut for the Sharks, scored a good try after gathering from a kick and Carroll converted to complete the scoring.
For the winners, Hans Schuster, Craig Stapleton and Danny Sartori were the stars and young five-eighth Manny Sultana mad a good debut.
Ryan James was outstanding for the Jets while Kurt Quinlan and Geoff Johnson never stopped trying.
Meanwhile, Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles maintained equal third spot after a come-from-behind 22-20 win over Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs at Centenary Field on Saturday.
The Eagles trailed 14-4 at half-time but with the Bulldogs' injury toll mounting and the young Eagles still full of running, finished too strongly in the closing stages for an excellent win.
Warilla Gorillas' recent poor run continued when Berry Magpies scored their first win of the season with a 32-24 victory at Berry against a Gorillas side who were well below full strength.
Jamberoo Superoos moved into a share of third spot with an 11-try hammering of Port Kembla Blacks. Meanwhile, Gerringong Lions overcame a 10-6 half-time deficit to down Kiama Knights on Saturday night, and set up Saturday's Michael Cronin Oval showdown against Shellharbour City.