The Bega Roosters first grade side has cruised through to the next stage of the Group 16 rugby league finals with a crushing win over Moruya Sharks on Sunday.

Bega showed early ascendancy, particularly in defence and lifted their game a notch to run away winners, 54-4.

According to coach Mitch Creary, he was “very happy” with the effort shown by his side.

“It was by far our best performance of the year,” he said.

“The boys showed great form and our defence won us the game.”

Halfback Matt Blacka was in top form, running rings around the Sharks defence as he set up his outside backs.

Blacka was well supported by centre Deon Apps, fullback Grant Jessop and winger Ben Cogan as the Roosters continually pressured their opponents.

Bega gained plenty of drive from their forward pack who laid the platform for their backline.

“Our forward pack was outstanding but no one on our team had a bad game to be honest,” Creary said.

The win makes it four in a row for the resurgent Roosters, who are now less than a dark horse for this year’s premiership.

Just a month ago, the side had only two wins on the board and appeared to be struggling to make the finals series.

The key to the good momentum shown by Bega has been an ability to share the workload more effectively.

The forward pack has been in top form, supporting their star players Kale and Dane Burton.

The Roosters will have a rest this weekend with the major semi-final to be played out between Cooma and Eden, with the side to take on the winner the following week.

“It was a sensational win by the boys but we can’t get carried away,” Creary said.

“We’ll keep working hard at training.”