Mossman Sharks had a day to forget on Saturday when all three league grades suffered losses against Ivanhoes at the Smithfield Sporting Complex.

It was tough battle for the under 18s with only 10 players taking the field.  The numbers have been down from the beginning of the season, making it difficult to be competitive in any of the games. 

In saying this, the boys showed plenty of courage and determination to never give up.  Josh Sagiba was outstanding in scoring three of the four tries for his team.

In the reserve grade match, representative duties and injuries hampered the team in being truly competitive.  The team was missing up to five key players such as Tim Rosendale, who was selected to play for the Cape team in Townsville, for the Foley Shield. 

The boys managed to go with the Ivanhoes team for most of the first half but further injuries allowed the home team to run away with a comfortable win.

Meanwhile the A-grade side suffered their worse defeat for the season going down 78-12.  The Sharks outside backs have been feeling the pinch since losing Davin Crampton to the Northern Pride, while the loss of ex-NRL player Brenton Bowen, first to a knee injury and now an eye injury, has also hurt the Sharks.

As determined as the boys are, it is difficult to compete against teams with larger forward packs.  However, coach Trevor Cobb remains optimistic that his team can win more games this season when regular members of the squad return.

"In general, a lack in numbers at training has been the biggest contributing factors the results from the weekend," he said.

"If we can just maintain some form of consistency in numbers at training then we will be able to build a good side.   The boys really need to have a change in attitude and get along to support each other in order for the club to be successful."