Mossman Junior Sharks Rugby League can boast an almost-perfect round at the weekend, with five of the seven teams recording wins.

Mossman Junior’s U6 league victory on Saturday is one for the record books. Three players short and without a home ground advantage, Sharks EJ, Tyeece, Ryder, Caleb and Zavan weathered the full-strength Scorpion attack, and snatched the win by just one try. There was no single Man of the Match; such was the players’ commitment and fierce determination to win. Shane Smith’s impressive coaching and managing efforts, plus parents’ support from the sidelines, helped get the Junior Sharks over the line. 

The U7 young Shark ladies stepped up on Saturday, leading their team to a one try victory against the Scorpions. Hallie Jenkins, Chelce and Bonita dominated in defence, denying the Scorpions’ attempts to score, and Jenkins showed she’s also handy up front, scoring two runaway tries. The Scorpions couldn’t catch Azaya Tayley – the Sharks Man of the Match played his best game of the year and scored two tries. Big Fletch put in an impressive effort as an all-rounder, making some great tackles and muscling his way over the line for a well-earned try. Garence Hinton continued to show improvement, and Saxon Vizard once again put in an outstanding effort, with three tries and sixteen tackles.

The U8s added to Mossman’s winning weekend with a convincing 24-4 victory against Brothers White. Initially two players down, the Sharkies recruited U7s stars Hallie Jenkins and Saxon Vizard to field a full team. Alaki Moore, Daniel, Beau Paulki, Dakota Santarossa, and Saxon Vizard were impressive around the ball and landed solid tackles, with forward pack Calm Solomon, Bubba Neller and Wyatt Laurigan consistently denying Scorpions’ attempts to score. Late in the game, one young Shark was sent off for slighting a referee, but with just 10 minutes left of play, the Scorpions’ one-man advantage wasn’t enough to overturn the score.

Shark Braxton Wienert was a standout in Mossman U10s win against Cairns Suburbs at Jones Park. With assistance from teammates, including some U9s players, Wienart was his team’s sole scorer, a try hat-trick. U10s Man of the Match and Coach’s Award will be announced this week.

Mossman’s winning streak continued with the U11s, recording their first for the year against Central Scorpions. The Sharks were strong from the first whistle, taking the lead with the first score and refusing to turn it over. The boys displayed an overall improved form, and are making headway in using the field and playing their positions. Under the direction of halves Derrick and Packman, forwards Beau, Brayden , Tyrees, Heath, Mason and Connor are developing their ability to run into gaps.  Front rowers Brayden Mynott and Beau Santarrossa put in an inspiring full game effort, despite sustaining injuries. Wings Etho Gibson, Kaanju Bamboo, Nick and Zac held their own, with Man of the Match Bronson Ryan, Jr. racking up three tries and four conversions. Pacman Jenkins scored the Sharks’ fourth try off his own grubber kick.

The U12 Sharks weren’t able to replicate last week’s win, with the Scorpions taking advantage of the Sharks’ inattention and running away with the game. Liam Clacherty, making his front row debut, and  Laish Salam shared Man of the Match honours. Billy Kadwell and Lacky Buzza continue to impress as sportsmen, both demonstrating consistent game attendance, solid effort, and dedication to the club. The U12s need a win over Brothers next week to keep their season alive.

Mossman U14s put in a positive start against Brothers, initiating the score with a try and conversion, but the visitors’ game was downhill from there. The relentless Brothers were determined to score, running full lengths of the field and gaining momentum and confidence with each home team score. Though the Sharks refused to admit defeat, and dominated play during the second half. With Daniel Dowling at hooker and Keenan Grogan at half back, the Sharks scored four quick tries. Brothers scored a late try to blow out the score line, but with Mossman missing four run-on players for the game, the Sharks are confident they’ll control the score line next time. Man of the Match went to Tom Henley for his defensive efforts against a big forward pack. 

Additional reporting from Emma Groves.