Round Five
Rockingham Sharks 6 – South Perth Lions 60
By PETER ROWE
The South Perth turnaround continued at pace on Saturday in Rockingham as the Lions scored 11 tries to see off the Sharks to stay undefeated atop the NRLWA Fuel to Go and Play Premiership.
Winger Meli Arthur grabbed a hat-trick as the Lions took control of the game early to go into the break 26-6 in front.
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
And the tries kept coming in the second half as the Lions, missing halfback Samisoni Langi, found the Sharks defence wanting.
Jordan Tumoana scored a double, as did fullback Travis Haney, who was coach Duane Duane Gwiazdzinski’s man of the match.
“Travis worked hard all day and covered the high balls really well. He did a superb job when under pressure,” Gwiazdzinski said.
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
“Soni had a slight knock so we decided not to risk him and Harry (Debique) did a great job as well.”
Eddie Proudler, Tim Noble and Ben Russell were the other scorers as the Lions stayed a game in front of rivals North Beach.
“It was a scrappy first half but I think we worked hard in the second period and got our rewards,” Gwiazdzinski said.
“We’re travelling well, but we still have work to do. Our structures and shape are looking good, but we still at times need to take the opportunities that are in front of us.”
For Sharks coach Pete Worth it was another disappointing day.
Second rower Trey Emery was their lone scorer and one young player who pleased Worth with his effort.
Photo – Libby McMillan
“He will get better each week,” Worth said.
“We have a young side and over the past four weeks we have only achieved about 50 per cent completion, which isn’t good enough.
“The penalty count didn’t go our way but that was often down to us, so I can’t really complain there.
“Our goal over the next two rounds is to increase that completion rate to at least 60 per cent.
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green