By Ron Wood

Shoalhaven have maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 24 – 14 victory over a gallant Campbelltown side at Shoalhaven Rugby Park. It took a solid effort from the Premiers to get the better of the Quinnies, who will prove to be a significant factor in this year’s competition. The match was a slog-fest early before Shoalhaven found their attacking mojo to register a four tries to two win. 

In an enthralling first 40 minutes in which neither forward pack could gain supremacy, scoring opportunities were limited but well taken. The opening try to Shoalhaven was scored from a sweeping backline raid, with wingman Joey Nelson crossing in the NE corner. 

Campbelltown’s most creative player, Fly-Half Joe Marr, was a constant threat with the ball in his hand creating space for the players around him. A sharp incursion into the Shoalhaven line produced space for Fullback Norwin Latu to run in for a try, converted by Marr, for the Quinnies to take the lead 7 – 5 after 15 minutes of play.   

Player of the Match Jack Watts put on a special try for Shoalies as the half wound down. From 20m out Watts took on the defence with a strong run, bumping off four defenders, carrying one over the line to get the locals a halftime lead at 10 – 7. 

After the break, Shoalhaven started to produce the sort of play that has served them so well in their unbeaten run. Their vigorous play at the breakdown and well organised defence was taking its toll on the Quinnies effort. Their efforts in tight bore fruit when Lock Mathew Batt forced his way over the line after 11 minutes of the half for a try, converted by Keiran Brandon, as Shoalies extended the lead to 17 – 7.  

Despite a significant defensive effort from Campbelltown, Shoalies dictated the tempo as the half progressed. Campbelltown Fullback Latu raised the hopes of the visitors with his second try, once again thanks to some clever ball play from Joe Marr, to reduce the deficit to three points with twenty minutes still to play.

Jack Watts did the hard work again in creating an opportunity for Harri Hibbs to score for a solid 24 – 14 margin. Shoalhaven dominated late but the Campbelltown defensive effort didn’t wane in an entertaining final fifteen minutes of play. 

Campbelltown showed plenty, with Front Rowers Alex Sherwin and Elijah Sa leading strongly from the front. Fly Half Marr will cause plenty of grief for opposing defences as the season progresses, as will Fullback Norwin Latu. The Quinnies effort against the Premiers, although early in the season suggests they will be final contenders again in 2024.  

George Millers return to the side gave Shoalhaven some direction that was missing in the first round of the year against Shamrocks and as the game progressed Shoalies started to show the form that has stood them so well over the past several seasons. They were well served by Halfback Dominic Bullock, and George Miller with center Jack Watts outstanding in the win. 

The Player of the Year points went to Jack Watts – three, Alex Sherwin – two and George Miller – one. 

Shoalhaven 24 (Joey Nelson 1 try, Jack Watts 1 try, Mathew Batt 1 try, Harri Hibbs 1 try, Keiran Brandon 2 goals) Def Campbelltown 14 (Norwin Latu 2 tries, Joe Marr 2 goals)

Other Match Results

Bowral 20 Def Vikings10

Kiama 47 Def Shamrocks 21

Camden 42 Def Tech Waratahs 23

Round 3 Fixtures

Bowral V University

Kiama V Campbelltown

Camden V Shamrocks

Vikings V Tech Waratahs