Shammies start on right foot

SHAMROCKS got their 2008 Illawarra rugby campaign off to a positive start on Saturday at Ocean Park with a 27-13 victory over Tech Waratahs.

The Rocks went into the match with limited match preparation, which was compounded by some late changes due to injury.

Playing into the wind in the first half the Rocks opened the scoring with a try to winger Cameron Thompson.

The two sides then traded points for the remainder of the first half with Thompson bagging another five-pointer off the end of wonderful backline play.

Tech Tahs led 13-10 at the break after making full use of the strong southerly breeze at their backs.

The Rocks camp remained patient knowing they had the wind for the second 40 minutes and a superior fitness level.

They would soon call on all their fitness and composure, as Tech Tahs dominated territory early in the second half, only to come away empty-handed.

A smart kicking game from fly half Alyd Owen got the Rocks back into dominant field position.

Soon after second rower Ben Lowe scored a try from a clearing kick charge down.

Another late try to winger Peter Rowlings sealed the match for the Rocks.

“I was pleased with the effort from our blokes,” Shamrocks coach Brendan Schoupp said.

“I thought they played a better kicking game with the wind than we did and were unlucky not to get further in front of us early in the second half.”

Shamrocks victory was soured by a possible broken arm to prop Josh Woodford.

“We’ll wait and see what the outcome is with Josh,” said Schoupp.

“Speaking with our support staff it appears he may have broken his forearm.” It was a trifecta of wins for the Rocks with victories in all grades over Tech Waratahs.

Second grade were far too good winning 43-10 after third grade won 10-3.

On Saturday Rocks travel to Kiama to take on last year’s grand final opponents. Kick-off is 3pm at Kiama Showground.