Shamrocks Survive Strong Shoalhaven Surge to Secure Grand Final Berth

Woonoona Shamrocks 2nd Grade have booked their place in the Illawarra 2nd Grade Grand Final, overcoming a determined Shoalhaven 2nd Grade side 31-13 in a hard-fought final at Shoalhaven Rugby Park. The victory, built on a dominant forward pack and clinical finishing in attack, sees the Shamrocks progress to face competition heavyweights Kiama 2nd Grade this weekend with a chance to clinch the premiership.

Resolute Defence and Clinical Attack Key to Success

In a tight and tense affair, the Shamrocks displayed tremendous resilience and discipline to grind out the result. After a cagey opening, the Shamrocks opened the scoring with a try from Robbie Coso to take the early advantage. As the match wore on, the Shamrocks’ forward pack asserted its dominance, winning many scrums when it mattered and providing a solid platform for their backline to flourish. The score at halftime (14 – 13) to the Rockies showed just how close this game was. The fact that Shoalhaven were unable to add to their points tally in the second half just highlighted the strength of the Shamrock team, but it wasn’t until the final bell that Shamrocks could feel they had done the job.

Young guns Simon Bayley, Harry Linden and Ben Ridgway all crossed the whitewash, showcasing the depth of attacking threats within the Shamrocks lineup. Veteran playmaker Ridgway was instrumental once again, slotting four conversions and a penalty goal to complement the team’s four-try haul.

Shamrocks’ Strong Finish to the Season Continues

This hard-fought victory builds on the Shamrocks’ recent strong form, which has seen them secure a spot in the Grand Final. After overcoming highly placed Bowral in the minor semi-final, the Shamrocks have now produced another clutch performance when it mattered most.

As highlighted in our previous coverage, the Shamrocks have hit their stride at the perfect time, with their dominant set-piece, individual match-winners, and collective resilience making them a formidable proposition for any opponent. The challenge now is to translate this momentum into a Grand Final triumph next Saturday against Kiama.

Shoalhaven’s Brave Effort Falls Just Short

While the result ultimately went the Shamrocks’ way, Shoalhaven 2nd Grade can take great pride in their brave effort. The opposition centre scored a superb try to keep his side in the contest, and they continued to fight until the final whistle. However, the Shamrocks’ superior firepower and control at the set-piece proved too much for Shoalhaven to overcome.

This defeat will be a tough pill to swallow for Shoalhaven, who have been one of the competition’s form teams all season. However, Shamrocks’ impressive run to the finals demonstrates the progress they have made and the bright future that lies ahead for this young squad.

Grand Final Showdown Awaits

As the Shamrocks now turn their attention to the Grand Final, they will be buoyed by their recent performances and the knowledge that they have the tools to triumph against the competition’s best. The clash with Kiama 2nd Grade promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting impressive forward packs and skilled backlines.

For the Shamrocks, this Grand Final appearance represents a chance to cap off a season of steady improvement and commitment. As highlighted in our previous articles, the team has weathered early setbacks to emerge as a genuine title contender, and they will be determined to go all the way and lift the trophy next weekend.

FIXTURE RESULTS