Fremantle rain on anniversary parade

Fremantle rained on Rockingham Sharks’ 25th anniversary celebrations with a six-point win in Saturday’s WA Rugby League fixture.

Picture by Steve Powell: Rockingham’s Caleb Reedy and Sean Gilmore close in on a Fremantle opponent in Saturday’s WA Rugby League fixture.

Rockingham surrendered a narrow half-time lead to lower their colours 22-16 in a rain-affected match at Lark Hill.

After an impressive start by the home side, Fremantle’s big men began to have an influence as both sides crossed for early tries.

Rockingham held sway in difficult conditions and headed into half-time with a 12-10 lead.

However, there was to be no fairytale in store for the club’s anniversary celebrations as the Roosters emerged victorious by a converted try.

The Sharks were well-served by front-rower Blake Nicholls and winger Vinnie Talatala, who made several enterprising runs from the Roosters’ kicks.

The side was ultimately left to rue too many incomplete sets in what was their first loss of the new season.

Rockingham were also on the wrong side of a 32-22 scoreline in the corresponding reserves fixture, while the club’s women’s tag side lost 32-0.

The Sharks hosted a special pregame luncheon where the club’s 20 best players over the past 25 years were announced.

Rockingham face another stern test in this weekend’s away fixture against perennial powerhouse North Beach.

The match gets under way at Charles Riley Reserve on Saturday from 3pm.