Sharks prove they've got plenty of bite

"We're very proud of the boys - we had an awesome year, with awesome guys who have in many ways pulled the community together as supporters followed the team's season with pride and enthusiasm," said Western Sharks vice-president Bronwyn Williamson. 
Mrs Williamson was only one of several of the Western Sharks management team who praised the commitment of their most successful rugby team at its end of season prizegiving.
"Both the premier and reserve teams had played their hearts out all season,"  Mrs Williamson said, "and we will be back again next year even better."
The premiers and reserves finished the round robin Southern Districts competition on  top of the table, with record points. Both teams looked set to take the top title in the Northland Southern Districts championships but the premiere team  were downed in the finals 17-12 by a fired up Mid Northern side at the Toll Stadium in Whangarei, on July 31. The Sharks Reserve team had the week before been beaten into third place after losing to Kamo in
the semifinals.
 The teams  made their presence known on the field and to prove it eight of the Sharks players have been selected for the Reserve Northland team.
The Sharks formed 10 years ago with the aim of combining Northern Wairoa talent as first-time contenders in the annual Northland-wide competition.  They use Dargaville Rugby Club as  their home base.
Mrs Williamson said the teams were a mixed bunch of players who ranged from labourers, freezing workers, farmers and carpenters to teachers, a model and a doctor.

 Three of the premier players, David Pulman, Craig Williamson and Scott McDermott, have played in the pack for the whole 10 years, as have reserve players Brendan Nathan, Cameron Smith Micheal and Dave Fili. Other long-service players such as Roger Rowse, Micheal Younger, Daryl Bradley and Hayden Evans have now stepped into management or coaching roles. 
Myles Ferris, in his first year as head coach, has indicated he would like to head the team next year, as have assistant coaches Henry Kemp and Daryl Bradley. Physiotherapist Scott Wills and manager Todd Warmington, both first-timers, have also put their hands up and the water boys from Greenways Trust, whose clients all have disabilities, are looking forward to next season.
"We have had such great support from the community and our sponsors.  Who knows what will happen next year?" said Mrs Williamson.