Wombats look the goods for top two

AVONDALE Wombats staked a major claim for a top-two Illawarra Rugby Union (IRU) berth with a 29-all draw against competition leaders Shamrocks on Saturday.

The draw saw the Wombats move within one win of second-placed Kiama, who suffered a shock loss to Bowral on Saturday.

A big crowd was on hand at Gerry Capetta Oval to see the third-placed Wombats tackle the still-unbeaten Shamrocks.

Avondale ran with a strong breeze at their back in the first half and took full advantage of with a good kicking game that turned Shamrocks around time and again.

The Wombats' forwards, led by strong runs from skipper Troy Herbert, took control in the early stages.

Avondale were out to a 15-7 lead at halftime thanks to tries Stu Teweri and Jonny Tausala with Jake Hurst kicking a conversion and penalty goal.

However, the Shamrocks were never going to lie down and came out with all guns blazing in the second half.

Poor discipline from the Wombats let Shamrocks in for three tries to lead 26-15 midway through the second half.

The Wombats gritted their teeth and through strong defence and a never-say-die attitude scored two tries of their own " one each to Paul Tausala and Murry McDonald " to lead 29-26.

With their unbeaten 2007 record on the line, Shamrocks lifted again and kicked a long-range penalty goal to knot the scores at 29-all.

Both sides had chances in the final five minutes of the game but couldn't break the deadlock.

Avondale's best were Troy Herbert, Andrew Tink and Paul Tausala.

Avondale have a must-win away clash with Camden this Saturday if they want to finish in the top two.

Table: Shamrocks 58, Kiama 48, Avondale 43, Shoalhaven 38, University 33, Camden 26, Tech 18, Bowral 11, Vikings 11.