Sharks close out win over Rams to eye off finals drought

In what was a back-and-forth game, the Belconnen United Sharks came out on top 20-14 over the Woden Valley Rams at NSWRL HQ Bruce on Saturday.

Sharks’ forward Sonny Tupuola lead from the front with his damaging runs, capped his incredible performance off with a try to seal the win.

The Sharks had total control over the beginning of the game, forcing early errors to dominate field position. However, they were unable to capitalize as the Rams’ defense proved to be resilient.

The Rams shifted the momentum as their halves teamed up to put Sam Gash over in the corner for the contest's first points. Gash was unable to convert his own try, leaving the score at 4-0.

Gash looked like he was going to score his second try of the day just minutes later, but the Sharks were able to hold him up and take Gash into touch for a turnover.

The Sharks answered back in the 30th minute after Matt Woolnough broke multiple tackles in the middle of the field, setting up George Wood to score. Jack Beagley could not convert from the sideline, keeping the score tied at 4-all.

Despite both teams having opportunities to score, the score remained tied heading into halftime.

The Rams scored on their first set of the second half with forward Scott Swanson coming down with the ball from a high kick. Gash converted from in front to give his side a 10 – 4 lead.

The Sharks forward Jay Slavin proved to be too elusive for the Rams’ defense before offloading to Jacob Piper to score. Beagley converted the try to level the scores at 10 – 10.

The Rams struck back with Ethan Alaia throwing a great pass from dummy-half to Gideon Afemui for a try in the 56th minute to earn a four-point lead.

Jake Beagley put the Rams immediately under pressure after scoring, finding touch on the kick-off to give the Sharks possession less than 20 metres out. Tate Rhea crashed over thanks to a great pass by Jake Hawkins.

Jake Beagley converted to give the Sharks a 16 – 14 lead in the 61st minute.

Sonny Tupuola crashed and spun over the line in the 78th minute to secure the win for the Sharks. Beagley was unable to convert, leaving the score at 20 – 14.

Full Time: Belconnen United Sharks 20 d Woden Valley Rams 14