Round 1- OC Jets vs Beachside Sharks (3/8/09)

The Sharks went into the season opener full of excitement and anticipation for the season ahead. After a solid pre-season with solid numbers and a great turn out in the Charity Game, the Sharks entered the first game with 23 players on their list, indicating the strength and growth of the game in the Beach cities of LA county reflective of the teams recruiting efforts. 

On a hot afternoon in Irvine, the SCAFL metro season took off. With a number of new faces, it  was expected that the side would take time to gel, however the signs were positive in the first quarter, with the Sharks controlling general play. Unfortunately, this was not translated to the scoreboard, with the Sharks only managing one goal, to hold a slender 4 point lead at the first break. In the second quarter, the Jets made the Sharks pay for their inefficient play in front of goal, banging through 5 goals as opposed to the Sharks 2 goals. Scores at half time: Jets 5-8-38;  Sharks 3-2-20.

At half time, coach John Fragomeni  urged the Sharks to continue to make the ball their object, as well as running to create space- two hallmarks of the Beachside style. For the first 5 minutes of the third quarter, the Sharks attacked the ball with vigor, and ran to create space. However, as the half progressed, the Jets alternately locked the game down, limiting the Sharks run, and counterattacked with accuracy and potency. The Jets dominated the scoreboard in the second half, scoring 7 goals to the Sharks 1, running out convincing winners by 56 points.

FInal Scores: Jets 12-14-86; Sharks 4-6-30

Shark Goalscorers: Paul Lindley 2, Frederick Schulin, Ben Haines 1.

Although the Sharks were outplayed, there were a number of positives to take out of the performance. Paul Lindley ran hard as both a forward and on ball, creating options and providing run. Ben Ashenden toiled hard in the ruck in his first game for many seasons, and  Matt Jones impressed in his determination and skill holding down the important post of full back. 

Round 2- Beachside Sharks vs LA Swans (3/15/09)

After a week of soul searching, as well as an excellent training session, the Sharks went into Round 2 with a steely resolve to perform better as a group, and to open their winning account for season 2009. After failing to secure a ground in the Beachside zone, the Sharks hosted the SCAFL at their 'home' field of Northside Park in Azusa. The opponent was to be the revitalized LA Swans, fresh off their victory over the Riverside Raiders. 

The first quarter was a tight, and well contested affair with neither side able to gain the upper hand. The Sharks benefitted from having twin focal points in Josh De Blank and Paul Lindley, both providing options to goal whilst rotating in the ruck. At quarter time, the Sharks held a slight lead over the Swans-  Beachside 4-1-25; LA 3-1-19.

In the second quarter, the Sharks began to show their run and ability to share the ball around. Taking advantage of the numbers on the bench, coach John Fragomeni  rotated players throughout the quarter, and this allowed the Sharks to run their opponents around, scoring freely, and enabling themselves to open a comfortable 4 goal lead. Halftime scores- Beachside 8-6-54; LA 4-1-25.

After the break, the Sharks continued to link up and play their style of play. Through weight of numbers, the Sharks were able to run the Swans off their feet, who tried manfully to keep up.

Final scores; Beachside 19-8-122; LA 6-2-38.

Shark Goal scorers: Paul Lindley 7; Josh De Blank 4; David Dollar, Ben Haines 2; Milo Albert, Fletcher Smith, Frederick Schulin, Mark Punshon 1.

In a great team effort, Paul Lindley played a fantastic game in the ruck and up forward, kicking goals at will. He was ably supported by his teammates, in particular by fellow Ruckman/ forward Josh De Blank, speedy opportunist David Dollar, hard running Fletcher Smith, nuggetty backman Mark Punshon and consistent onballer Rob Luto.

Round 3- Riverside Raiders vs Beachside Sharks (3/22/09)

On a wet and windy day, the Sharks  travelled to Inland Empire city of Corona to take on the home town Riverside Raiders. Unfortunately, the Sharks would be without the services of key players such as Ben Haines, Milo Albert, Ben Ashenden and Bob Wagner. In their place, a new American player in Conner Marks came in and true to his name, became a key focal point up forward, along with the injured Josh De Blank. By game time, the rain halted, but the wind picked up, favoring the factory end as opposed to the water treatment end. In the first term, the Sharks did not make the most of their opportunities, kicking with a 5 goal wind, peppering the sticks with wild shots as they failed to become accustomed to the conditions. Rotating a small ruck duo of Schulin and Lindley, the Sharks had to read the ruckwork of the opposing ruckman, with Rob Luto, Simon Sweeney, Jason Bottrell and Fletcher Smith regularly 'sharking' the ball from their Raider opponents. Scores at Quarter time: Raiders 1-1-7; Sharks 5-3-33.

Kicking into the wind in the second term, the Sharks were forced to run the ball forward and were rewarded with goals through De Blank, Marks and the enigmatic David Dollar. The Raiders used the breeze to their advantage however, scoring 2 goals to remain in touch at the main break. Half time scores: Raiders 3-4-22; Sharks 9-4-58.

In the third quarter, the Sharks aimed to extend their lead by using the ball effectively and the wind to their advantage. This was aided by a rock solid defence comprising of Matt Jones, Mark Punshon and John Hardin, who were able to repel the Raiders forward forays and formed a platform for Shark counterattacks. At the final break, the scores were Raiders 4-5-29; Sharks 12-5-77.

In the last term, the Raiders and the Sharks shared the honors, trading shots at goal in an open and clean quarter that belied the weather conditions. With the bench rotations still in place, the Sharks were able to run out the game in strong fashion, finishing 48 point victors.

Final scores- Raiders 6-9-45; Sharks 14-9-93.

Shark Goal scorers: Josh De Blank 6; Paul Lindley, Conner Marks 2; Rob Luto, Fletcher Smith, Simon Sweeney, David Dollar 1.

The game was a fantastic team effort, but special mention needs to be made to Josh De Blank for playing through the pain to score 6 goals, as well as debutant Conner Marks who showed great understanding and composure to kick 2 goals and have a hand in a number of others.