BULLS SURVIVE SHARK ATTACK
RUGBY UNION PUSHING FNQ Rugby’s top team to the brink of defeat has given Penrhyn Sharks belief they can be a premiership contender this season, despite losing 33-19 at Machans Beach at the weekend.
The Sharks entered Saturday’s clash underdogs against the undefeated Barron Trinity Bulls but looked up for the challenge from the opening kickoff, trailing by just one point at half-time and suffocating the Bulls’ powerful attack early.
With 10 minutes to play, the Sharks trailed 23-19 before North Queensland under-19s representative Jai Doherty crashed through for two of his four tries for the match – the first masterfully set up by fly half Declan Meredith.
“Jai’s another young one that we’ve found and brought into the fray,” a relieved Bulls coach Wayne Meredith said of his fullback after the match.
“He moves so well along with young Jimmy Ngutlik (on the wing).”
Penrhyn’s try-line defence was impressive in the first-half, with the Sharks forwards showing plenty of muscle.
Assistant coach Joel Marsters said the Sharks’ committed defensive effort kept Barron second-guessing themselves and forcing errors throughout the match.
“Knowing the talent that Barron has you really have to focus on denying them,” he said.
“We know they blow a lot of teams out. We’re disappointed to lose but proud to have been competitive. I think we know now that we’re a chance (to win the competition).”
The Sharks’ strong support from Cairns’ Cook Islander community again served as inspiration, with the vocal fans outnumbering Bulls backers.
“We’re all so close,” Marsters said. “Our supporters come every week. I think we made them happy.
“It boosts the boys to see their family on the sidelines.”