Cronulla Sharks Under 14 Dev team & The FWAS Rugby League after a tough game of footy (photo's : ourfooty media) | SEE THE ACTION |

Former NRL star Steve Hardy presents a prize to the Bree player

Bree & Nyngan Under 12's enjoy a moment after the game

Former international Les Davidson presents a special caps to the Nyngan player

Jacob Neill of the FWAS gets ready to pass the footy

Michael Morris from the Engadine Dragons about to be dumped on his head

Reese Davisdon from De La Salle scores a try

That night everyone ot together for some great food and fantastic Yabbie races

The Sharks were unable to travel at Easter to the Nyngan Challenge but were true to their word and brought a 14’s side to Nyngan to take on the FWAS junior squad.

In planning their end of year program the Sharks saw this tour as a fantastic opportunity for their boys to learn about the bush and finish off their 2007 season.

The U14’s Cronulla Sharks Junior Development Squad defeated the FWAS side in what was a great game at Larkin Oval on Saturday, 6 October.

The Cronulla side were really tested and won 28 – 12, but the score was not a true reflection of how close the game was.

The Cronulla squad has been staying in Nyngan since Thursday 4th October up at the showground and enjoyed a couple of farm visits on Friday and Saturday morning where they learnt a lot about the bush culture.

“The farm visits have been great, as some of our boys haven’t been past the mountains and the chance to experience and see how a farm operates is an eye opener for them,” said Ken Fitzgerald, Cronulla tour organiser.

There were two curtain raisers to the main game, with Nyngan taking on Brewarrina in U12’s and U14’s.

To enhance to opportunity to see the Cronulla match, players from around the district were invited to play in the teams, with players coming form Cobar, Bourke and Gilgandra.

In the U12’s Nyngan proved too strong beating Brewarrina 30-16, and in the 14’s Nyngan also claimed the victory winning 28 – 8.

The main game was where the Sharks took on the FWAS, which was at times a fiery clash.

The FWAS started really well and were pressuring the Sharks line but couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities.

The Sharks opened the scoring and were never headed for the rest of the match.

The Sharks won 28 – 14, but the score line could have been a lot closer if the FWAS had have held onto the ball for longer and made the most of their opportunities.

Les Davidson, former South Sydney and Cronulla player and Australian representative, was on hand to present the awards of man of the matches to the FWAS team.

Matt Langby, Jordan Hay and Jarrod Tamatea were the three best for the FWAS side.

“The boys really stuck it to their more fancied opponents and should have score a couple more tries which would have put the pressure on the Sharks, said Steve Easman, Assistant FWAS coach.

“But credit to the Sharks, they defended really well and took the opportunities when they came,” he said.

Former Sydney Roosters hardman Steve Hardy, the Sharks coach echoed Steve’s sentiments. echoed Steve’s sentiments.

“That was a really tough game, if not the toughest our boys have played this year, and credit to the FWAS side who really had us under the pump for periods of the game, but our boys dug deep and held on for the win.”

The Cronulla side enjoyed their time so much that they can’t wait to bring their squad out here again next year to both play against the FWAS and experience some of the bush experience.

“We have had a great three days in Nyngan and the people here have been nothing but helpful and very welcoming.

We would like to thank the Nyngan community, especially Col Wright, Head FWAS coach, the Nyngan Junior Rugby League, Trevor Redman for all the work that went into developing the tour.

The Sharks look forward to a visit in 2008 from the FWAS Squad.

On Friday 12th October the academy Open League squad are travelling to Newcastle for a match against the Newcastle Knights 17 years development squad.

This match sees the end of the 2007 FWAS league program.

Thurday : Squad leaves Cronulla Leagues Club at 8:30 am. - Arrive Nyngan 9 or 10 hours later

Friday - In the morning the squad will visit a Wheat farm, check out some grain silo's
Atfer lunch we will be visiting a working sheep station where the boys can see shearers shearing sheep. Friday night we will be having tea (diner) at the Nyngan RSL club where we can meet the locals and have some fun

Saturday - In the morning we are going to someone farm to chase some pigs, race around like maniacs on motor & quad bikes and hopefully see some calves being born
Saturday arvo we will be going to Nyngan oval to play against the Far Western Academy side - Go Sharkies !!!
Saturday night there s a big do at the Nyngan golf club