Killer Sharks brave Storm

9:54am Wednesday 8th August 2001

SOUTH LONDON STORM 16 WEST LONDON SHARKS 41

South London's Rugby League Conference campaign ended as it started, with a defeat, but they can take heart from their spirited performance against West London Sharks. The 16-41 loss was a vast improvement on the 94 point defeat against the same opponents only six week ago.

Storm started the more confidently, and were unlucky not to take the lead through Brendan Bruce, but the winger was bundled into touch just short of the line. Stand off Rob Hewiit also went close before Terry Reader finally gave the South Londoners the lead with a penalty in the 10th minutes.

Sharks reponded with a two try burst, but Storm fought their way back with a deserved try. Barnstorming runs from second rowers Jon Perkins and Marc Taylor took Storm to the visitors' line, and from the resulting play the ball centre Victor Nwabueze crashed over for a try converted by Reader.

Reader then reduced the deficit to two points when he coolly slotted over a penalty from the touchline. Storm had the opportunities to regain the lead when first Gavin Calloo and then Christian Loveday crossed the whitewash, but both we held up by the scrambling Sharks' defence.

Then, just two minutes from the interval a quick Sharks' break saw them cross under the sticks to leave Storm eight points adrift.

The Thornton Heath team battled bravely in the second half, but try as they might they might they could make no headway into the visitors lead.

The pack, led by Perkins, Taylor and Andy Brown worked hard to set up an attacking platform, but despite the promptings of Reader and Keri Ryan, Storm couldn't unlock a mean spirited Sharks' defence.

Three tries just after the hour mark sealed the away win, but South London had

the last word when the impressive Nwabueze showed presence of mind to pick up a

loose ball and power across the line from 10 yards out. Reader easily added the simple conversion.

Club captain Keri Ryan praised the efforts of his team, “We've shown a huge

improvement in the second half of the season, the players have really worked hard to turn things around at this club, and the results have improved.”

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