In a brilliant showcase of junior talent, the Rockingham Sharks played their best game of the year and slayed the unbeaten Bears to win in the FTG&P U13 Boy’s Grand Final.
Playing in front of a big home town crowd, the Willagee Bears were actually slow out of the blocks, with the Rockingham Sharks taking the early initiative. After a nice break off a kick from Tremayne Ryan, Billy Serhan took the initiative and raced 50 metres away to score to and get the Sharks off to a flyer.
And no more than 5 minutes later, the Sharks were at it again. Chasing a kick on the last, young Zhaelin Kalolo latched onto the ball, beat a defender and offloaded to Te Maika Ranga, who offloaded to Ryan who duly converted a brilliant team try. At 10-0 the Sharks were firmly in the drivers seat, and the Bears needed to answer.
Enter Ezra Behr for the Bears. With a powerful 40 metre run, he put the bears onto the attack and the Willagee machine just clicked into gear. The Bears captain in David Fuikefu did a brilliant scything run, and threw a beautiful ball to Maalosi Smith who scored on the stroke of halftime to bring it to 10-4 and with it all to play for.
After halftime the sides traded blows with the Sharks having the better of the running. Only some stubborn defence from the Bears managed to keep them out and then they clicked into gear coming out of their own territory.
On the half way line, the Bears spread to the right with Liam Kahotea getting the ball, Micah Gear hit a beautiful line and beat the fullback to score a brilliant try and Braxton Tuaati made no mistake with the conversion. The scores were drawn with everything to play for in the last 15 minutes.
But the Bears made a mistake coming out of their own territory, and the Sharks were there to take advantage. After the Bears scrambled twice to save certain tries, the Sharks spread the ball on last, and it found its way to Kingston Daniels-Sayers, who despite the attention of 4 defenders stretched out to score. With Carter Paraha knocking over his 2nd conversion of the day, at 16-10 with 9 minutes remaining, would there be more twists and turns?
But the Sharks would not be denied. With another Bears turnover, off the scrum the Sharks found Ranga, who beat a defender and found Ryan in space, and he duly converted the chance, scoring in the corner, and winning the game 20-10 sending the Sharks supporters into ecstasy. The Bears, who are a brilliant side, will be back in future years, will think that was one that got away.
Rockingham Sharks 20
Tries – Tremayne Ryan (2), Billy Serhan, TJ Palelei
Conversions – Carter Paraha (2)
Willagee Bears 10
Tries – Maalosi Smith, Micah Gear
Conversions – Braxton Tuaati
Player Of The Match – Rockingham Sharks – #7 Billy Serhan
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