Wombats grab draw

AVONDALE Wombats proved themselves again to be Illawarra Rugby Union finals material with a 36-all draw against Shoalhaven on Saturday.

Both teams were playing for third spot with Shoalhaven two points behind Avondale on the competition table.

The game started at a cracking pace with both teams not scared to throw the ball around.

Shoalhaven broke through some brittle defence and scored the first try to give them a 5-0 lead after 10 minutes.

Avondale hit back with a great individual effort from Paul Tausala, who finished the match with a three tries.

Another great try from Ian Baker, where he stepped around four or five players to score, and another five-pointer had the Wombats in control at 19-5.

However, fullback Jake Hirst and skipper Andrew Tink both went down with injuries and Shoalhaven took advantage, scoring two tries to level the scores at halftime.

Avondale then lost replacement Chris Tausala and on the back of a string of penalties Shoalhaven found themselves leading 33-19 midway through the second half.

The Wombats forwards then started to get some ball and with Marcel Halbert and Hone Peeti working some great combinations Avondale reduced the cap to seven in the dying stages.

Avondale snatched a share of the spoils when Peeti completed a great backline that came after 12 phases of forward drive to scored in the corner. He then calmly potted the conversion to tie the scores.

The draw sees Avondale maintain third spot with Saturday's home game against Uni a great opportunity to break away from the pack.

Wombats second grade went down 20-6 with thirsty thirds winning 20-0.

Avondale would like to thank the Dandaloo Hotel, Bevans Real Estate Dapto, Lucas Service Centre, Wollongong Truck Service and Coopers Excavation.