There were chances to score, especially in the first half but the Bulls dominated possession and in the second stanza, territory, to dictate the shape of the match. The Whales took the wind in the first half but failed to score, despite a number of close calls. The Bega team looked far from comfortable when forced to defend but as the Bulls forwards hogged the ball, this was not often enough.

Several busts in midfield did not go to hand as passes were delayed or support was too slow. In the end it was Bega who scored, against the run of play, as their big representative number eight and the ball up the blind side of a scrum.

The defence was too slow and the move continued on for a try in the corner. The Whales scrum found it difficult to secure safe ball as wily ex Randwick hooker, Harry Charamboulos gave Travis Hardaker a lesson in hooking.

In the line outs Nigel Brooking persevered to battle representative jumper Dan Hyland but the wind often took the throw away from Nigel and into the arms of a grateful Bega.

At the breakdown the Bega side were scrambling to the ball faster. Steve Betteridge had a great time counter rucking and spoiling the Bega ball but too often he was on his own.

As the wind developed to gale force proportions in the second half, the failure to score came back to haunt the Whales as they found it difficult to get out of their own end of the field. With the Bulls dominating territory, small errors were pounced on. All four tries in the second half came from simple mistakes. A kick to centre field, a ball dropped in front of the posts, a missed tackle and no markers at a ruck.

As the score went up, the heads went down. The best on the day were Nigel Brooking who worked tirelessly and was well worth the three points. Kyle Burnell had his usual strong game for two points and Tyrone Thomas once again was Mr Consistent for one point. Tyrone had to be replaced and is in doubt for Saturday, which will be a blow. The score may have flattered Bega somewhat but it was a wake up call to the Whales.

John Griffiths and the club executive discussed with the players after the game what needs to be done over the next few weeks to fix up the problems. Until the missing players return it will be hard but the club will be training hard this week.

Whilst the match against the Sharks this Saturday looks a big ask for the Whales they will be playing at Dalmeny.

The crowd has helped to lift them a couple of times this season and the players love the vocal support so get down to watch the game, which kicks off at 3pm and get behind the green team.

The Narooma Sporting and Services Club is the major sponsor of the Whales and we recognise their support.

All supporters are welcome back to the Dalmeny Sporting club after the game to join the players for a few quiet ales and a post mortem of the game.

Don’t forget to visit the web site www.whalesrugby.com and sign the guest book.

Results round nine, Saturday, June 21

Broulee “Dolphins” 14 defeated Bermagui “Sharks” 10

Broulee remain undefeated after a hard fought win against a determined Sharks outfit. Sharks led for most of the game but a late converted try by the Dolphins confirmed there position at the top of the table

Bega “Bulls” 30 defeated Narooma “Whales” 0

Bega provided their best display of the season to demolish Narooma at home.

Ulladulla “Breakers” 29 defeated Braidwood “Redbacks” 7

Ulladulla again proved how much stronger they are at home when they overcome an eager first half by the visiting Braidwood team. The second half resulted in many line breaks for the young Ulladulla backs.

Batemans Bay “Boars” v Bay Red game deferred until July 19.

Competition ladder: 44 Broulee Dolphins; 30 Bermagui Sharks; 28• Batemans Bay Boars; 24 Narooma Whales; 17 Braidwood Redbacks; 16 Bega Bulls; 10 Ulladulla Breakers; 7• Bay Red; • game to be played July 19.

Next weekend: Ulladulla v Bega; Braidwood v Batemans Bay; Narooma v Bermagui; Bay Red v Broulee.