The Eden Tigers knew they were in for a tough day at the office from the minute they boarded the bus to Moruya.
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Taking on the reigning premiers is no easy feat by any stretch, but doing it on enemy soil is downright daunting.
The Tigers faced an uphill battle, and found some good breaks in the Moruya defence, but ultimately went down to the powerhouse Sharks 64-12.
It was a similar scenario for the Tigerettes in the league-tag match-up, scoring a pair of tries against their Moruya rivals, but losing out overall 34-8.
In a clean sweep for the hosts, the Sharks also scored wins in the under 18s clash 40-10 and the reserves against the Eels 46-22.
The headline first grade match saw the Sharks firing away to a strong lead on the back of effort by the big forward pack.
A number of tries went over to a spread of the Moruya front-line, but the big points were claimed by the flankers and back rowers.
Justin Bell led the way for the home side with a hat-trick, while fullback Dennis Green had a double on the day.
Cobargo-Bermagui Eels president Dave Allen said the Eels and the Tigers were both short of some players.
“Unfortunately some late in the week injuries and players away meant all sides had skinny benches, which was telling, especially in the second half of the firsts,” Allen said.
Allen also said the Eels only had one fresh sub in the reserve grade match-up, but stayed competitive well into the second half.
Unfortunately some late in the week injuries and players away meant all sides had skinny benches
- Dave Allen
Charles Nye and Jacob Hill were the top scorers in the reserve grade contest, both planting two tries for the Sharks.
Their opposing numbers in Joel Anderson and Matt McGovern also found space to plant tries for the Eels.
Meanwhile, in the women’s contest, Nicole Cowdroy was the main destroyer for the Sharks, scoring two tries in a dominant display.
Eden Tigerette stalwarts Amber Kennedy and Chelsie Cassie landed tries for the visitors, but the hosts were just too fast and composed in the attack.
This weekend will see the first game of rugby league in more than 30 years played in Bermagui as the combined Tigers and Eels play at Dickinson Oval against the Narooma Devils in a local derby.
League-tag kicks off proceedings from noon on Sunday, with the first grade to kick off at 2.30pm.