By Vinh Tran
Sharks Development Manager
A glorious day greeted the Sharks Academy squads at Erskineville Oval and the football produced by the young Sharks well and truly matched the terrific weather.
With each squad having over 30 local juniors with all clubs represented, there was plenty of talent on show.
The day began with the U13s taking on a big, physical South Sydney side but our youngest Sharks stood tall and defended bravely in what was a tough contest.
A couple of opportunistic tries to South in back end of the first half broke deadlock however the Sharks 13’s hit back with a couple of their own. A few further breakaway tries to the Rabbitohs finished off a tight game.
Justin Letton and Tyrell Folaumoeloa were awarded as the Sharks best.
The U14s were to follow and with many of them having been in the development program the previous year, their experience and skill was on display in this game.
An entertaining game of rugby league with both sides playing fast, physical and free flowing football.
The Sharks came out of blocks early and dominated possession and found a couple of early tries.
South Sydney hit back with a couple of their own before the game became more of a grind in the middle third with both teams exchanging tries. The Rabbitohs jagged a couple of tries late in the 2nd half with the result ending up 6 tries to 4 to Souths.
Gymea’s Jed Hardy and Blake Maddock took out the best forward and best back awards respectively.
Our U15s came out next and the players put on an impressive display of footy, with many putting their hands up for Harold Matthews Cup consideration for 2018.
With the forwards making in-roads in the middle the Sharks’ playmakers and halves were able to produce some quality attacking football and with it came points.
South Sydney hit back through some uncharacteristic defensive lapses in the first half, however the second half belonged the Sharks and with Souths Sydney producing some ill-discipline earning the ire of the officials, the Sharks would go on to dominate the game and rack up some great tries to finish the game.
Brodie Matheson and Noah Lester were rewarded for their contributions with players of the match awards.
Our final game featured our U17s side. Having suffered a heavy defeat in their first outing against the Wests Tigers in the previous week, these young men had a point to prove.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that our boys had learnt from their previous performance and went on to stamp some authority on their opponents.
Similar to the previous game, with the Sharks forwards winning the battle in the middle of the field the Sharks backs were able to find some classy touches to cross the line. A dominant display across the park saw the under 17’s atone for their loss against the Tigers with resounding win.
Taylor Fidow terrorised the Rabbitohs pack, taking out the man of the match award.
Sharks Academy v Bulldogs
Wednesday, July 12
Sharks Academy Fields at Cronulla High
Our Academy sides will now take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at the Sharks Academy Fields at Cronulla High School on Wednesday 12th July. Always hotly contested matches against our blue and white rivals, with the action kicks off at 10.00am with the U13s.
U13s – 10.00am
U14s – 11.15am
U15s – 12.30pm
U17s – 1.45pm
For full 2017 Sharks Winer Development Academy squad lists CLICK HERE
