Sharks runaway with an important round one win in the North-side derby

As both teams looked to claim their first win of the season, it was the Belconnen United Sharks that take home the two competition points in the opening round of the 2023 Blumer’s Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup season.

In a game of two halves, the Sharks scored 20 points in the second half with centre Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai combining for two tries and two try assists claiming the Man of the Match.

As both teams ran out to start the second half, it was the Sharks who started the game with more intent over the Bulls through inventive plays in and around the ruck to try and spark a line break.

Key offloads from the Sharks in their opening set led to a try scoring chance in the corner with winger George Wood unable to control a high ball.

A 20-metre tap from the Sharks was met with a barn storming run from Sonny Tupuola as he broke the Bulls defensive line running for 30 metres to put the Sharks on the front foot as they peppered the Bulls try line in the opening minutes.

The Sharks capitalised on the field position with a bolt out of dummy half from Matthew Woolnough to score the first try of the afternoon.

A successful conversion from Jack Beagley helped the Sharks to a 6-0 lead.

A cheap penalty off the kick off gave the Sharks another attacking opportunity in back-to-back sets.

Spreading the ball well, the Sharks had the right side of the Bulls defence stripped for numbers as centre Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai found his way to the line with ease.

With the scores at 10-0, the Bulls were desperate to fight their way back in the game.

Some hard-hitting defence forced the Sharks to lose the ball, giving the Bulls some much needed possession of the football.

The Bulls got the ball back from a drop out after a smart kick in the corner forcing the Sharks to concede in their in-goal area.

The Bulls didn’t hold up after some classy ball running from fullback Tre Holten-Williams drawing in defenders as the winger, Jesse Croker, was left unmarked on the wing to score their first for the afternoon.

After grinding their way back into the game, the Bulls were rewarded for their persistence as the dummy half, Matthew Richards dove over the line thanks to a quick play the ball.

A conversion from Bulls debutant, Bobby Roberts tied the game at 10 points a piece with 14 minutes left in the first half.

The game evened out with both teams going set for set maintaining their discipline for the majority of the second half.

An attempted intercept from the Bulls was put down, leading to a repeat set for the Sharks in the opposition 20.

The strength from Aroha-Tuinauvai gave him the ability to offload to fullback Darcy Leadbitter who scored in the left corner.

Beagley was unsuccessful in his conversion as the two sides went into the sheds at half time with the Sharks leading 14-10 over the Bulls.

With only four points the difference as they start the second half, a chip and chase from Roberts was caught by Jordan Holten-Williams, which sparked a flurry of offloads to find space for the fast and nimble Trent Borthwick as he found his way to the line.

The Bulls took the lead for the first time in the match thanks to a conversion from Roberts making it 16-14.

Not long after, a costly penalty given away by the Bulls let the Sharks into their half putting pressure on their defensive efforts.

A short ball to James Dyball led the Sharks to cruise over the try line, reclaiming their lead 20-18.

With the ball in the Sharks hands, a long cut out ball from half Jake Hawkins gave Manasie Kaho plenty of time to work his magic and that he did, scoring an acrobatic try in the corner to extend their lead to eight points.

The woes compiled for the home side, as the Sharks were clinical in attack as Aroha-Tuinauvai went over for his second try of the day.

The conversion kick was successful from Beagley as they led 30-16 with over 10 minutes remaining in the second half.

With just five minutes remaining in the game, Aroha-Tuinauvai was involved in another try setting up his winger in the corner to make the scores 34-16.

As the game reached full-time, the Sharks fought their way to their first win of the season.