Whales get the Sharks off their back

18th April 2009

The NSSC Whales kicked off their season at Bermagui last Saturday. As with each of the derby games played between these two clubs since the arrival of Narooma into the Vikings Shield in 2004, this was to be a closely contested match. It was no place for faint hearts with both sides asking questions of each other right from the start.

The field was dry and ideal for running rugby while the strong cross field breeze did not augur well for a kicking game. With neither side able to maintain possession of the ball for extended periods the match became an ebb and flow between the 22 metre lines as intense tackling and fierce contesting at the breakdown saw a series of turnovers from both teams when on attack. The first half an hour was a lacklustre affair with the spectators celebrating the fact that they did not have to pay to watch.

The Whales had a slight advantage in the scrum and line out but they lacked consistency in both areas, which deprived the backs of a good regular supply of ball. Slowness to the breakdown compounded the problem and the backs looked every part of team having its first match of the season. Tactical kicking was also inconsistent with some good downfield kicks gaining good territory but at other times poorly directed kicks landed in midfield, giving possession back to a dangerous counter-attacking unit.

In the end it was Callum Annand who was filling in at half-back who broke the deadline. Playing out of position, Callum regularly darted inside the drifting defence from the back of the scum or ruck. In the thirtieth minute he broke the deadlock with a thirty-metre dash for the line to score a good individual try. Jake Spears struggled with the strong wind and the conversion kick, which looked good off the boot, drifted across the face of goal at the last second.

The Whales pack began dominating first phase possession as the first stanza drifted to a close. The forwards were getting across the advantage line well but sometimes they were guilty of going one out and becoming isolated. The resulting turnover or free kick gave possession away. It was from such a free kick that the Sharks scored close to half time.

After giving away the ball the Whales then gave away a penalty for a high shot, and argued the toss. With the Whales, being marched the back, the Sharks took their chance to press forward and Satcher McLelland forced his way over for a try in front of the posts. Daniel Allen converted for a 7 – 5 lead. This made up for a missed penalty kick in front minutes earlier

The second half was another arm wrestle with little to get excited about until the Whales began to implode after a series of penalties and marchings back for dissent. The lack of self-discipline began to cost the Whales possession and ultimately Sharks were able to punish the Whales indiscretions with a long range try from Tim Tarlinton. The kick from in front of goal hit the post and rebounded but the Sharks now led 12 – 5.

More dissent and more loss of possession led to a penalty being marched thirty metres allowing Daniel the easiest of kicks for a further three points. Some heads began to drop in the Whales camp but big Steve Betteridge and Max Taleo got them on the front foot again, getting the Whales over the gain line with strong drives. Kyle Burnell also showed the way and eventually the Whales once again began to dominate territory and possession.

Letting the ball do the talking worked for the Whales and the Sharks tired after some extended periods of strong defence. Tyrone Thomas, playing at five eighth began to revel in the extra room and eventually found his way over the line close to the posts. Jake Spears had the chance to close the gap to three points but he placed the ball too close to the goal line, trying to offset the gusting wind. This allowed the Sharks to charge down his kick, so the score remained 15-10 to the Sharks.

This score galvanised the Sharks who now took the fight to the Narooma end of the field but good kicking forced them back into their own territory again and again. The match had come to life and with ten minutes left both teams battled for the points. Eventually the Whales were able take advantage of a poor kick return from the Sharks. This gave Jake Spears the chance to counter attack from 40 metres out. His speed and strength got him over the line but his kick was well off. Scores were tied 15 –15.

The weight of possession and the psychic energy were now with the Whales and with the minutes ticking down they worked their way into the Sharks red zone with their best phases of possession. A well worked move up the narrow side let Brendan Navara in for what proved to be the winning try.

The last couple of minutes saw the Sharks run at the Whales at every opportunity. Using their fast back line they went wide early. Eventually, with seconds left they broke the line but desperate covering back by and defence eventually stopped the drive at the half way line and forced a turnover. The Whales then kept the ball in the pigs and ran the clock down for their first ever win against the Sharks. Not pretty but they were happy nonetheless.

The Whales have next week off as it is Anzac Day. They will play Bombala at Dalmeny on Saturday 2nd May. Next Friday night, the 24th April sees a trial match between the Northern and Southern clubs scheduled for a 7.30 start, with the North v South Women kicking off at 6.30

The Narooma Whales would like to thank the Narooma Sporting and Services Club and all their other community sponsors for their support.

Final Score Whales 20 – Sharks 15

Whales Scorers – Callum Annand, Jake Spears, Tyrone Thomas, Brendan Navara – Tries

Sharks Scorers – Satcher McLelland, Tim Tarlinton – Tries, Daniel Allen, Penalty goal, Goal

Best and Fairest for Whales – Max Taleo 3, Tyrone Thomas 2, Kyle Burnell