THE Gerringong Lions are back in the winner’s circle as they thrashed an injury depleted Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies side by 44-6 at Berry Showground on Saturday.
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The Lions ended a two game losing streak in commanding style and are now tied with Kiama and Jamberoo in second position on the ladder.
Gerringong coach Michael Cronin was happy to see his side claim the two competition points.
“We’ve got to be happy with that victory considering we haven’t been in the best form in the last two matches,” Cronin said.
“We simplified our game, kept it together in defence and it gives us a good platform to build up some great form heading into the finals.”
Unfortunately the young Magpies side couldn’t produce an upset on their annual Old Boys day, as genuine attacking opportunities were few and far between.
Only five minutes into the match, Berry were forced to play the rest of the afternoon with a three man bench as centre Joel Webeck left the field injured.
On the back of a few penalties, the visitors clicked into gear with young gun Toby Gumley-Quine, who continued his impressive 2017 campaign, helping his side to an early 4-nil lead.
The home side continued to cough the ball up in their own territory which allowed Gerringong to take full control of the game.
Brilliant ball work from the Lions backs paved the way for Joel Doosey, Corey Mulhall and Kristian Jarrett to all get across the white chalk inside Berry’s 20 metre zone.
On the stroke of half-time, fullback Issac Russell spotted a yawning gap in the Magpies defence.
His brother Rixon landed two conversions as the Lions roared to a 26-nil lead at the break.
Gerringong produced a second half performance which was almost a carbon copy of the first and continued to pepper the trying Berry defence.
Gumley-Quine and Doosey both secured doubles for the game, while Kristian Jarrett also clinched a double with brilliant 40 metre intercept before Rixon Russell assisted a barnstorming Kal Collins from close range with a top notch cut out ball.
Rixon Russell had a difficult day with the boot and slotted two goals from four attempts, as Gerringong led 44-nil.
To Berry’s credit, they finished the game on a high note as Blake Dryden threw a nice inside ball to rookie Lachlan Nellstein who crossed over adjacent to the goal posts.
Luke Ryder converted and at full-time the Lions ran out winners by 44-6.
“Corey Mulhall, Toby Gumley-Quine, Ewen McCarroll and Daniel Brown were all strong in the win and considering how long Michael Brown has played for Gerringong, he always plays great for us week in week out,” Cronin said.
Josh Ingold, Blake Dryden, Caleb Liddicoat and Lyke Ryder did the best they could for Berry.