THE Moruya reserves could not stay undefeated against Cooma this season and lost to the committed Stallions 14-6 at Ack Weyman Oval.
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View our action photos from the game here.
Defence was the name of the game and both sides failed to control the ball in the opposition’s half.
Cooma went to the break leading 6-nil in the dour affair.
The physicality lifted a few notches in the second stanza with both teams’ defence forcing errors with determined tackling.
The Sharks managed to cross the line three times in the second half but were either held up or lost the ball.
Moruya finally converted a chance when the ball went through the hands and landed in captain/coach Juy Cooper’s hands, who put the ball down in the right-hand corner.
Craig Cottington slotted the conversion from two metres off the sideline.
Moruya now trailed 10-6 and looked to gain momentum.
However, Cooma steadied itself and scored the match-winning try two minutes later to seal a very deserved victory.
Sharks spokesman Ian Traynor said the loss of back rower Nathan McDiarmid had a big effect on the forward pack’s potency.
“There is more than enough talent to cover the loss of one player and it was a comeback to earth after a number of impressive wins,” Traynor said.
“If the team concentrates on ball control and discipline, it will be relevant at the business end of the season.
“Both sides should be commended for their tough and determined defence.”
In the under 18s curtain raiser, Cooma crossed four times to beat a determined Moruya outfit 22-4 at Ack Weyman Oval.
Jacob Zutt was the Sharks’ only try scorer but, overall, the Sharks lacked polish when they were in try-scoring positions.
Traynor said flair and creativity would come from repetition at training.
“The boys are capable of achieving success but it takes more than guts and determination,” he said.
“They were very committed and resolute in defence against a bigger team.”