On a day showcasing the young talent playing in the local Cronulla-Sutherland Junior League, Sharks Winter Development and Academy teams took on the Bulldogs in a series of trial matches on Wednesday.
Played at the Sharks Academy Fields at Cronulla High School, matches were played in under 13’s, 14’s, 15’s and 17’s.
The early matches managed to escape the heavy rain showers, however the 15’s and 17’s games in particular were played in wet and slippery conditions.
The Sharks 13’s tried valiantly in their match but were outgunned by a physically bigger Bulldogs squad, while the 14’s turned the tables, playing some enterprising football in scoring six tries to two.
In a strong pointer towards the 2018 Matthews Cup season the under 15’s performed strongly, then in the worst of the weather the under 17’s slogged it out on a field which was extremely sloppy by the time the full-time siren sounded.
In all it was an excellent exercise for both clubs in providing pathway opportunities to young players from the two districts.
The Sharks Winter Development and Academy will now continue with their weekly training sessions as the local junior league moves towards semi-finals.
As provided by ourfootyteam.com, below are match scores and scorers from the matches played last Wednesday.
Under 13s
SHARKS 16
Lisiate Tupou 2, Joel Fry, Ryan Peake tries
BULLDOGS 44
Paul Alamoti 4, Solomane Saukuru, Kayden Wright, Hussam Elamsry tries
Under 14s
SHARKS 24
Callum McDonald 2, Kage Dwyer, Josh Tudehope, Karl Bishop, Cullen Whetu tries
BULLDOGS 8
Jibirel Rich, Ahmed Skaf tries
Under 15s
SHARKS 16
Dane Courtney, Jay Heleta, Mania Waitera, Tyler Field tries
BULLDOGS 8
Louie Yehia, Jorden Britten tries
Under 17s
SHARKS 8
George Sukanaivalu, Kia Parker tries
BULLDOGS 12
Funaki Matavesi, Brenton O'Donnell, Fred Tohi tries
CLICK HERE to see full Sharks Winter Development and Academy training squad lists
