The old adage ‘it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the fight in the dog that counts’ rang true in the Group 16 reserve grade final at Bega Recreation Ground on Sunday.
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The smaller, but skilful, Moruya Sharks, played out of their skin to beat the brawny Candelo-Bemboka United 14-4.
The Sharks took the field without halfback Gavin Olive, who aggravated an injured knee at training.
Under 18s player Niles Brigden stepped into the playmaker role after playing in the earlier match.
It took only two minutes for the Moruya Sharks to show their class from a set play.
Jack Keating threw a magical pass to centre Adrian Andy, who beat several defenders, and before he threw a classy one-handed pass winger Barney Campbell, who sprinted 30 metres to score in the corner.
The try was not converted and Moruya led 4-nil.
Some unforced errors by the Sharks gifted the Panthers field position and in the 11th minute Candelo scored out wide on one of the few occasions they decided to spread the ball.
The game remained at 4-all for most of the first half.
The Panthers used their big men to upset the Moruya attack and tried to gain some ascendancy in attack, but were repelled by the resolute Shark defence. Finally, the Sharks were rewarded for their efforts with tries in the 28th minute to Langer Nye and in the 33rd minute to Lance Nye.
Craig Cottington converted the second try and the Sharks led 14-4 at half-time.
The second half was nil-all, but there was plenty of action to keep the fans on their feet.
Both sides threw themselves into the fray, but the Sharks seemed to have the measure of their opponents.
The Panthers bigger forwards were becoming fatigued and the scrambling Sharks tacklers kept them well away from the try line.
At full-time the Sharks fans erupted into applause and supporters swamped the field for the trophy presentation.
Jacob Hope-Hodgetts was named man of the match.
Moruya Sharks president Dave Farrell praised coach Mick Cottington for his effort with the “super Reggies” and veteran forwards Justin Zutt, Langer and Lance Nye for leading the younger players by example.
“The bench players such as Kyle Brierley, Jeff McWhinney and Will Roqica added much enthusiasm into both attack and defence,” he said.
“Nathan McDiarmid and Brigden lead the team around the paddock well and big forwards Hope-Hodgetts, Billy Elliot and Brent Ayton were constant threats to the Candelo’s defensive line.
“Last but not least, Craig Cottington’s game at fullback was outstanding, being able to defuse many dangerous situations.
“These blokes just don’t know how to lose.
“It was a massive effort right across the paddock; their defence was brilliant and CBU were lucky to even get a sniff.
“A great year by the lads.”
Moruya 14 (tries: Barney Campbell, Langer Nye and Lance Nye; conversions: Craig Cottington) defeated Candelo-Bemboka United 4.
