Sharks Remain Undefeated with Win Over the Magpies

The Belconnen United Sharks remain undefeated in the Canberra Raiders Cup after a 50-22 victory against the Yass Magpies at Walker Park.

The home side came into the game eager to bounce back after falling to the Rams 50-6 last week. Meanwhile, the Sharks are well-rested and ready to build on their undefeated record this season.

The Sharks received an early penalty to put them in a good spot. An early kick proved ineffective, giving away a seven-tackle set to the Magpies.

But they redeemed themselves fast, forcing an error that resulted in the home side losing the ball and the Sharks James Thornhill scoring the first try of the game. It was a missed conversion for Jorden Holten-Williams from in front, but the Sharks continued to push.

Gideon Afemui gathered the ball off the kick to score in the left corner. It was another missed kick which left the visitors leading 8-0, 10 minutes into the game.

The Magpies were eager to bounce back, Kaiden Bell came in with a dummy pass before sending the ball to Harvey Gay to score Yass's first points. Bell followed it up with a successful conversion, putting them within two points of the Sharks

A penalty to Sharks shifted the momentum back their way and provided Thornhill with an opportunity to ground the ball over the line for a double. Holten-Williams converted the try to broaden the gap to 14-6.

The Magpies were next to make a move. The Sharks threw a forward pass off the kick-off that handed the home side the ball back within range of the line.

Taking advantage of the mistake, Trent Vaugahan scored in the corner to keep them in the game. A failed conversion left the Magpies trailing 14-12.

After continuous sets from both teams, Tristen Eldridge used his strength to push his way through the defenders and over the line. Another successful conversion by Holten-Williams continued the Sharks’ point-scoring momentum.

Eldridge continued to show up but was taken down in a try-saving tackle after a clean line break, the Sharks continued to attack and sent Thomas Watego to fall under the post for the final try of the half.

Holten-Williams came up with another successful kick to send the Sharks into the second half with a strong 26-12 lead.

The Magpies were off to a tough start for the second half, with players offside off the kick off to gift the Sharks a set on halfway.

The home side fought to hold off Belconnen, but they were ultimately overcome as Hunter Tetu fought off the defenders to ground the ball in the corner. The conversion put the Sharks in front with a 20-point lead.

The Sharks continued to pull away as Afemui scored another try under the post for an easy kick in front. The Magpies were now trailing 38-12 and desparate to get their hands on the ball.

Bell attempted to regain the Magpies possession off the kick-off but fell just short, with Belconnen scooping up the ball. The teams began to fire up as Rana Baker was sent off for a dangerous tackle. This left the Magpies 26 points behind with 12 men.

Eldridge attempted to take early advantage of the lack of defenders but knocked the ball on in the in-goal. The mistake by the Sharks provided the disadvantaged Yass side with a seven-tackle set as they search for redemption.

The Magpies pushed for three straight sets, until finally Toby Dasey was over the line as a result of the Sharks weakened defence. Bell missed the conversion to leave the score 38-16 to the Sharks.

With five minutes to go, the Magpies did not give up hope. Fuelled by the home crowd, the Magpies fought tirelessly until Lane Davis was able to beat the Sharks line and score their fourth try. A perfect kick set the score 38-22.

The Sharks were too fast for the Magpies, with Afemui over the line for the final try of the game to secure Belconnen's win. Holten-Williams was able to nail the kick for a 22-point lead, but the Sharks squad were not finished yet.

Eldridge scored a final try on the stroke of full time for the Sharks to seal the deal. The final conversion set the score 50-22 for a Belconnen victory.

The Belconnen United Sharks took down the Yass Magpies, with the home side seeing 50 points put on them once again.

The Sharks will be back home next week to face the Goulburn City Bulldogs, while the Magpies will search for a win against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers.