GW’s Michael Hogcog tries to get past the defense of Sanchez’s Keith Dumanal. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
[GSPN] – The Simon Sanchez High School boys remain to be the only undefeated team in the IIAAG rugby league. Thanks to a strong forward game, the Sharks protected their untainted record overwhelming the GW Geckos 29-14 Saturday afternoon at the Wettengel Field.
The Geckos entered the game fresh off a loss (their first loss) to the FD Friars Wednesday and were eager for the opportunity to possibly give the Sharks their first loss, but the Sharks were just as eager to add to their winning streak.
The hard-hitting action of the first half ended with the Sharks in the lead and continued on into the second. However, later in the half, fatigue and dehydration seemed to plague both teams as the sun beat down on the Dededo field. On top of that, rucks and scrums were more frequent on the field as these two powerhouse forward teams went at it, giving each other scrapes and bruises to last for the week ahead.
Geckos’ Frank Troy swoops to the outside, but is stopped by Sharks’ Val Vaiao. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
Wes Shiroma opened the second half with his second try of the game. Similar to his first one, Shiroma cut against the grain and sprinted into the try zone untouched.
Teammate Kassidy Abisia extended the lead, running up the middle to score another try for the Sharks. Donovan Alger converted the extra points.
In the first half, after being tackled twice right at the try line, Sharks’ Val Vaiao stuck his hand out of the pile of players on top of him and placed the ball in the try zone to take the 5-0 lead early in the game.
Shiroma upped the lead 10-zip, running up the sideline and weaving through defenders for about a 25-yard try.
Jovon Ignacio stuck his hand out of the pile as well to score the last try of the half for the Sharks. A successful conversion by Shiroma game the Sharks their 17-7 lead at the half.
GW’s Joseph Carreon and Tevin Santos scored their team’s only points, scoring two tries and two conversions, respectively.