Whales 35 Bay Reds 7
THE NSSC Whales cemented their spot in the top four with a solid win over the Bay Reds on Saturday. The final result 35 - 7 was a seven try to one win. While they never expected to lose, the Whales continued their good form and impressed coach John Griffiths with their willingness. He was particularly happy to see the big men, Wayne Goldsmith, Steve Betteridge, Kurt Fifield and Nathan Maher have a good hit out as the business end of the season approaches.
Next week the Whales visit Milton who were dealt a major blow to their finals hopes by the Bay first team on the weekend, losing 27-0.
The Whales now hold their fate in their own hands. A good finish could not only put them into the semi finals but could also see them getting a home semi final or final.
This now has to be a main goal, as the remaining home game will not now take place because Broulee Dolphins folded at the weekend. This means that the Whales last three outings will all be away. After the Milton match the boys will travel to Bombala and then, in the final round game of the season, they will play Batemans Bay at Hanging Rock on July 25. With the Whales currently in third spot a home semi final is a strong possibility.
Sisters together - The Whales Women
THE Whales women played the Jindabyne Miss Piggies at Dalmeny on Saturday. In a competitive game they played in good spirit. But with no quarter given at the tackle or break down the Whales took out the match 24 - 10 with a brace of tries by Kristy Wren, assisted by Sherry Campbell and Nicole Campbell who each scored one try apiece. Zhoe Hart was successful with two conversion kicks.
The Whales girls played their best game of the season as some of the newer players have become more familiar to the code. Zhoe Hart as captain led from the front, aided by Nicole Cowdroy and her sister Kristen Colebrook who was playing her first ever game of rugby. NSW representative volley baller, Jamie Ogilivie showed what an all round athlete she is with a strong performance. The Wren sisters also performed well. Jasmin is slippery with the ball in hand and she is deceptively strong on the ball while Kristy's second try from inside her own half was all class.
The Campbell girls also played at a higher level this week. Ada and Katrina adding strength to the forwards while Sherry, playing in the centres got the ball across the advantage line regularly. Good distribution by the halves, Maygen Boller and Angie Thompson saw the Whales women regularly get outside the visitors' defence. Ayla Mortlock and Lyn Thomas revelled in the room created by some great ball skills.
Lana Hart ran on in the second half to join sister Zhoe as the third pair of sisters to play on the day. Talk about keeping it in the family.
The Whales did not have it all their own way and defence was also a strong feature of the girl's play. Robust tackling and fiercely contesting at the ruck led to turnovers that gave the weight of possession to the home team but they had to be honest and commit to the contest as the Miss Piggies had some effective strike players. Jindabyne had good recycling and forward based game but the Whales refused to be sucked in and nailed the first receiver or driver off the back of the ruck. It wasn't until the last third of the game that the Miss Piggies threatened the Whales with any consistency and the result was two tries in the last 10 minutes to add some respectability to the score line.
Next week the Whales women will take on Milton at Milton after the men's game. Kick off for the men is 3pm and 4.30pm for the women.
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