Magpies Plan To Stymie Nowra's Major Merger
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday April 5, 2008
LAST year's grand finalists Berry-Shoalhaven Heads plan on keeping the Shoalhaven Jets grounded in tomorrow's Group Seven showdown at Nowra Showground.
The Jets formed in the off-season through a merger between Bomaderry and Nowra and are determined to be final five contenders in their inaugural campaign.Captain-coached by experienced halfback Geoff Johnson, Shoalhaven have raised curiosity levels among South Coast league followers and are expected to draw a big crowd for their season-opener against neighbours Berry.But the Magpies revelled in their spoiler role last season and would love to ruin any victory party the Jets might be organising."We want to start the season on the right foot. We don't know what they're going to throw at us but we've got a pretty handy side and we'll be focusing on our game and what we want to do," Berry captain-coach Trent Burns said."It's good to see they merged, simply because it's good for rugby league in the area and it gives kids something to aspire to. It also takes over as the new local derby, and that's a good thing because it builds up the talk and publicity in the community and people become more interested."We're excited to play them. It's their first official game so there's a bit of history there. Hopefully we'll come away with the win."Former Berry and Nowra playmaker Johnson was lured back from Yanco and has assembled a talented Jets squad.He is hoping to reverse a poor personal record against the Magpies."When I was with Nowra, we played Berry three times and lost all three, so it'd be good to get one back."They're tough to beat because they're consistent in the way they play and keep coming at you for 80 minutes."We've worked hard over the pre-season and done a lot of ball-work lately."Our preparation has been the best it can be."Playing Berry is the best opening game the club could've had. It's a local derby and hopefully there'll be a big crowd."Batemans Bay host Milton-Ulladulla in tomorrow's other clash.Meanwhile, bitter rivals Warilla and Shellharbour will kick off the season this afternoon at Cec Glenholmes Oval.A raffle will be drawn at half-time for a combined Warilla-Shellharbour jersey, with proceeds going to charity.Peter Hooper has taken over as coach of the Gorillas, while Peter Yatras is the new man at the helm for the Sharks.Gerringong are at home to traditional enemies Kiama in today's other game.Premiers Albion Park-Oak Flats have the bye.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
