The Woonona Shamrocks produced their most spirited performance in weeks but ultimately fell short in a high-scoring thriller that highlighted both their potential and the fine margins that have defined their challenging season.

Despite sitting seventh on the IDRU ladder with just two wins from eleven outings, the Shamrocks worked hard but couldn’t prevent their opponents from crossing more frequently in what became a familiar pattern for this side.

The conditions were atrocious with heavy downpours frequently testing the ball skills of the players. The Rocks struck first blood through Ben Ridgway, who crashed over early in the piece with Ryan Schoupp adding the extras to give his side a 7-0 advantage.

But Uni weren’t about to roll over. The green and gold outfit responded in emphatic fashion during a purple patch in the closing stages of the first half that completely turned the match on its head.

Alex Wise got the home side on the board with a well-worked try, though Max Poynton was unable to add the conversion from a difficult angle.

University piled on three more tries in quick succession and Univerity goalkicker, Poynton, finally found his range with the boot, slotting a conversion to extend the lead.

The University side crossed for their fourth try of the first half, though Poynton’s radar went askew again as the conversion attempt sailed wide.

Tactical Switches Pay Dividends

Coach Paul Ridgway wasn’t afraid to make bold moves, implementing a series of tactical substitutions that allowed the Shamrock side to remain competitive despite a large number of players off the bench having already played in Second Grade. This Shamrock side had a significant number of close encounters with the try line but just fell short. A pity, because if there was to be reward for effort for this Shammies side – a try would have been that reward and it would have made the score just that bit more competitive.

Tactical switches saw Harry Devine replaced by Amenatave Ranitu, Heath Robinson make way for David Smith, and a host of other changes including Hagen Degarnham for Robbie Coso, Dylan Pearce-McGeary for Harry Linden, Jordan Stalker for Xavier McDevitt, and Jarred Leece for Lachlan MacKinnon.

Tom Ah Tong, Seb Buchannan and Lucas Leonard all earned their F&B points from the game and continue to show outstanding commitment to their teammates and the Club.

The Bigger Picture

This gutsy performance, despite the disappointing result, will give the Shamrocks heart as they look to climb off the bottom of the table in their remaining fixtures. With University struggling at the foot of the ladder and sitting 347 points behind on differential, every point earned from here is crucial for the green and gold.

The narrow defeat showcases the fight in the Shamrocks’ squad and their ability to trouble stronger sides when they execute their game plan. For a club that’s endured a challenging season, performances like this remind everyone that they’re capable of turning their fortunes around.

Final Score: University 22 defeated Shamrocks 7

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Match played at Ocean Park Woonona