Sharks too strong for Navy attack

Albany retained the Keeping Watch Shield against the Royal Australian Navy, enjoying a 27-point win in the second annual commemorative match at Collingwood Park on Saturday afternoon.

The exhibition match saw the two teams recognise Remembrance Day and the departure of the first Anzac convoy from King George Sound, as the RAN were presented their specially designed jumpers before the match

After the Navy worked their way to a slender two-point lead at quarter-time, the Sharks responded with a four-goal to nothing second term, but could not shrug the dogged Navy outfit, led by player-coach Simon Horner.

The Navy trailed by 17 points at three-quarter time and reduced the margin to within two goals before the hosts kicked clear, winning 12.11 (83) to 8.8 (56).

The Navy were assisted by local players Riley Quilty, Nic Ashford and Caleb Gill, but the leg speed of Sharks midfielders Robbie Baker, Winston Twigg and the ball-winning nous of veteran James Eaton played a pivotal role in the win.