The WDS Shellharbour City Sharks have completed the final round of the Illawarra Coal League with a 30 -20 victory over the then second placed Helensburgh Tigers at Ron Costello Oval on Saturday.

The home team took an 18 to 12 lead at half time, before taking complete control of the match with two converted tries to extend the lead to 30 to 12, before the Tigers rounded out the scoring late in the match.

Try scorers for the WDS Sharks were Jai Dormer with three, and Lulia Lulia and Derek Short crossing for one each, and Dormer finished with five goals. Dormer was the best for the home team scoring 22 points but also outstanding in general play, and was assisted by the forward pack with captain Damien Paulissen leading the way, with Aaron Henry, Michael Murphy and Short also playing well.

Coach Ryan Powell was very happy with the team’s performance, bouncing back from the last match defeat,” We played some really good footy, we beat them pretty much across the park”.

Thirroul held on for a 30 to 28 home victory over Collegians, Wests Illawarra outscored Corrimal 46 to 30 and Dapto beat Berkeley 54 to 10 in the other games. Unfortunately for the WDS Sharks the Thirroul victory means WDS Sharks have finished fourth and will play Collegians in the elimination semi final this weekend. Thirroul will meet Helensburgh in the other semi final for the right to play Wests Illawarra in the major semi final, Wests Illawarra as minor premiers and get the first weekend of the finals off.

In other matches at Ron Costello Oval, reserve grade finished their season with a 32 to 4 loss, but the Under 18s have finished the season in third position with a 42 to 6 victory and will play Corrimal in the first week of the final, with the chance of playing Wests Illawarra in the major semi final.

Scott Murphy