By Tallon Smith

The Tullibigeal-Lake Cargelligo United Sharks have won their first game in over a year, defeating fellow battlers the Yanco-Wamoon Hawks 46-18 at the Lake Cargelligo Recreation Ground on Sunday afternoon.

The Sharks, whose playing squad has often played both Firsts and Reserves each week, many also doing so after playing Rules on Saturday, benefitted from going into the match fresh, with the side’s First Grade struggles washed away in a hard-fought victory over the always gutsy Hawks.

Cody Collins starred for the Lakes side, scoring four tries to spearhead his side’s victory, whilst Ethan Williams also chipped in with a try and 5 goals for a personal tally of 14 points. Other tryscorers for the Sharks included Brodie Morris, Matthew Clark-Kell, Dylan Bendall and Sinelle Thorpe. 

For Yanco-Wamoon, Rowan Matthews continued his tryscoring form in 2023, whilst Billy Ingram and Tamaki Kohere also crossed for the Hawks, with Matthews kicking one and Captain-Coach Kane Hammond two goals.

Tullibigeal-Lake Cargelligo President Col Ward said the win was great for the club, with the fact that there was no Reserve Grade encounter helping the side claim the win.

“They didn’t have to double up on Sunday,” he said, referring to the players’ customary backing up from Reserves to Firsts each week.

“They won one last season early in the year against the Waratahs.

“So we were due for a win.”

Ward also said that a key component of the victory was the return of a local hero, with another factor being the opposition’s ongoing injury crisis.

“We had Jaden Kelly back, that made a big difference,” he said.

“They weren’t very strong though, Yanco’s doing it tough too.”

Although things have been challenging for the club in 2023, their decision to field a Reserve Grade team has paid dividends, with the side set to play finals football, and in regards to First Grade, the Sharks already have their eyes on building for next season.

“We have signed some blokes for next year,” Ward said.

“There is a belief that next year we will be a lot better.”

Ward also alerted Battlers For Bush Footy to a unique situation which could see one of their stars land a plethora of awards in 2023.

“[It looks like] Cody Collins will win Reserve Grade Best and Fairest for our club, and maybe for all of Group 20 Reserve Grade,” he said.

“He’s also in contention for our First Grade Best and Fairest, and will be up there in Group 20’s [Ray Thorpe Medal].

“He’s also looking like maybe winning awards in the Rules competition too.”

Around the Grounds

The Griffith Black and Whites have drawn level with the Leeton Greenies for joint lead of the competition after a 22-18 upset win at Solar Mad Stadium in Griffith. In a match properly broadcast on YouTube with commentary, in an exciting new move for the competition, the Black and Whites outmuscled the Greenies, with Five-Eighth Stephen Broome leading the charge, crossing for a try and kicking two of the side’s three goals to set up a thrilling 22-18 victory. 

As per usual, Beniel Qereqeretabua was the best for Leeton, crossing for yet another double, with Josh Fisher also crossing the stripe, whilst Tyler O’Connell landed three goals for the men in green. The win sees both sides now sitting in equal first, half a game clear of DPC who are hot on their heels in third.

Meanwhile, West Wyalong returned to the winners’ circle with a 44-12 drubbing of the Yenda Blueheelers in front of their home fans at Ron Crowe Oval. After being thrashed last week by the Griffith Black and Whites, coincidentally by the exact same margin, the Mallee Men turned it on, with Christopher Mayberry and Braiden Jones crossing for doubles in the big win. 

After the heavy loss, James Dole’s Blueheelers look to a date with the Griffith Black and Whites, before facing Yanco-Wamoon and Hay in must-win encounters should they endeavour to play finals football in 2023.

The match between Darlington Point-Coleambally and Hay saw the Magpies forfeit due to a rising injury toll which left them with just 11 fit players.

Cover Photo: The Griffith Black and Whites face off with the Leeton Greenies at the “Dog Ground” on Sunday afternoon. (Supplied: Robert Nascimben)