BATEMANS Bay Tigers under 18s played Moruya Sharks in the early fixture at Bill Smyth Memorial Oval at Narooma on Saturday.
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The boys were short on numbers and put in a gallant effort but unfortunately went down 28-22.
The Tigers had 13 players and were reduced to 12 when forward Jarrod Ward was injured.
“It was a commendable showing from the young blokes,” Tigers’ president Bob Mitchell said.
“Coaches Damien Scholtz and Danny Whitter praised the efforts of the boys.”
Although the Tigers were always going to be up against it with no reserves, the Bay got the better of the start and led 16-nil after Luke Wilson crossed twice, Dean Belcher scored and Doug Ebsworth slotted two conversions.
It was a “massive loss” for the Bay when the hard-running front-rower Ward left the field 10 minutes before half-time.
“Jarrod was doing a bit of damage and asking a lot of questions for the Moruya defence at the time,” Mitchell said.
Moruya capitalised with the help of an extra man and ran in two quick tries before half-time, as the Tigers led 16–12.
The Sharks took the lead after scoring two tries after the break and an intercept sealed the game.
Shortly after a Shark was given 10 minutes to cool down in the sin bin and the Tigers made the most of successive sets with Wilson completing his hat-trick of tries.
The best for the Bay were Ryan Connell, Luc Hill, Jarrod Ward and Luke Wilson.
The club’s domestic violence initiative in conjunction with the state government has been finalised.
“All players and officials signed up to the agreement that if any members are convicted of domestic violence charges the club would also apply strong suspensions from playing and club activities,” Mitchell said.
Rugby league returns to Mackay Park on Sunday when the Bay hosts the Bombala Blue Heelers.
“The boys have put in at training following the away loss at Candelo last Saturday and will be keen to atone before a home crowd,” Mitchell said.
First grade squad for Sunday v Bombala:
1 Mick Tadich , 2 Jake Cowling, 3 Michael Sinclair, 4 Kane Leggett, 5 Mitch Freeman, 6 Mason Harrison, 7 Jacob Hill, 8 Billy Zahra, 9 Jimmy Thomas, 10 Sam Cunningham, 11 Marcus Golman, 12 Gerard Dennis, 13 Jack Leggett, 14 Baden Payne, 15 Scott Belcher, 16 Shane Chatfield.
The under 18s kick off against Cooma at 1pm and first grade begins at 2.30pm.