Bushies skip away from Sharks in a top-four thriller

A strong second-half performance from the Tuggeranong Bushrangers proved to be the difference in a back-and-forth game as they defeated the Belconnen United Sharks 30-14 at Greenway Oval on Saturday.

Hooker Liam Oakley was the highlight of the Bushrangers’ side as he scored 14 points for his team.

Tuggeranong were quick to get on the scoreboard thanks to a late offload from Darby Medlyn that enabled Jack Heyman to score in the fifth minute. Liam Oakley converted from in-front to give his side a 6-0 lead.

The Sharks were next to score on the back of repeat sets with Joshua Webb crossing over in the corner in the 17th minute. Jake Beagley was unable to convert from the sideline leaving the score at 6-4.

The Bushrangers were quick to strike back. A strong run and offload by Zac Saddler created the space for Deakin Bright to step through the defence and extend the Bushrangers’ lead. Oakley converted the try to make it 12-4.

Tuggeranong looked set to score back-to-back tries on the back of a Jayden McLachlan chip-and-chase but a gutsy effort by Darcy Leadbitter forced a knockdown to prevent the try.

The Sharks struck back with Matthew Woolnough breaking through the line to set up Leadbitter to score. Beagley converted, reducing the deficit to 12-10 with ten minutes remaining in the first half.

Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai proved to be too strong for the Tuggeranong defence as he put Webb over for his second try of the game and Belconnen’s first lead of the match. Oakley was unsuccessful with the conversion, keeping the score at 14-12.

An early Belconnen error set the stage for Zac Saddler to crash over four minutes into the second half. Oakley successfully converted to extend the Bushrangers’ lead to 18-14.

The Bushrangers kept their momentum going with Liam Oakley kicking to himself from dummy-half to score in the 62nd minute. Oakley converted his try to extend the lead to 24-14.

Tuggeranong put the nail-in-the-coffin with Brigham Moeakiola scoring an acrobatic try in the corner with five minutes left in the match. Oakley successfully converted from the sideline to remain perfect with the boot.

Full Time: Tuggeranong Bushrangers 30 d Belconnen United Sharks 14