CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION RESULTS
SATURDAY, 23rd APRIL, 2016
ROUND 4
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Avoca Beach               32 (1)
Elliott Dawkins, Chad Martin, Mick Arnold, Matt Anderson, Nathan Brown tries;
Nathan Brown 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal;
Mitch Jacob 1 conversion
 
defeated
Ourimbah                    10                   
Apisai Vatubuli try;
Jarrod Grange 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
 
 
Gosford                       49 (1)              
Adan Howe 3, Adam Carlisle 2, Chris Heap, Luke Hennig, Joel Wagner, Brenton Wagner tries;
Hugo Pike 2 conversions
 
defeated
Hornsby                        0
 
 
Kariong                       30 (1)              
Ryan Wallbank, Scott Hanley, Cory Holwill, Josh Bottero tries;
Scott Hanley 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals
 
defeated
Warnervale                  12                   
Sione Ala, Miles Tauel tries;
Sione Ala 1 conversion
                                                           
 
Woy Woy                    31                   
Lapana Vitale, Iliesa Rokodraga, Wade Hannell tries;
Alex Moore 4 penalty goals, 2 conversions
 
defeated
The Lakes                    16                   
Noah Halapi try;
Bill Moroney 3 penalty goals, 1 conversion
 
POINTS TABLE
Terrigal                        15
Ourimbah                    15
Avoca Beach               14
Woy Woy                    14
Gosford                       10
Kariong                         5
Hornsby                        5
The Lakes                     1
Warnervale                   0
 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah          7                    Avoca Beach     7
Woy Woy        21                    The Lakes        17 (1)
Warnervale      15                    Kariong           12 (1) 
Gosford           18                    Hornsby            5                                           
                                     
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
The Lakes        7                     Woy Woy          5 (1)
Kariong           21                    Warnervale      13                   
Gosford           20 (1)               Hornsby            0
Terrigal              8                    The Entrance     5 (1)                
 
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Gosford           20                    Warnervale      13
Woy Woy        20 (1)               Terrigal              0
Ourimbah        36 (1)               Avoca Beach   10                   
 
 
REPORT :
Round 4 of the Central Coast rugby competition saw several quite even matches, all played in relatively damp conditions. The Match of the Round saw Avoca Beach continue on their undefeated way when they defeated Ourimbah by 36 points to 10 at Heazlett Park. Avoca Beach got away to the best of starts and within a couple of minutes of the kick off, the home side had crossed for their first try. They could not have wished for a better start. This 7 points to nil lead saw them in front, a position they held for the remainder of the match. The remainder of the first half saw them control much of the proceedings and they were able to cross for another try, and kicked a penalty goal, to lead by 15 points to nil at the halftime break. Avoca Beach were playing the better rugby and had the lead, but the match was still up for grabs. Avoca Beach had several very good players in the match. None were better than prop Josh Meadham, who continues to show great form, while he was well supported by centre Mitch Jacob and backs Matt Anderson and Nathan Brown. Ourimbah knew they would have to start the second half well to get back into the match. While the second stanza was a far more even affair, with scores in that half being Avoca Beach 17 and Ourimbah 10, the visitors never did enough to get fully back into the match. Ourimbah were best served by prop Brett Cunningham, back Jack Stonestreet and flanker Jack Sheehan, who all never stopped trying. Avoca Beach had won the match, and kept their undefeated record. Ourimbah know teams are most keen to defeat them as the current Premiers, and will take a lot from the match.
 
Woy Woy recorded a 31 points to 16 win over The Lakes at Slade Park. This match was much tighter than scores indicate and it was in the first half where Woy Woy got the lead and maintained it for the remainder of the match. Woy Woy played good rugby in the first half and went to the midpoint break leading by a handy 28 points to 13 lead. That effort was enough to win the match. The second half was a real arm wrestle. It was a totally even struggle with both sides only able to kick a penalty goal each in that final 40 minutes. Woy Woy had scored three tries to one in the match and that was a fair indication of the overall flow of the match. Best players for Woy Woy were centre Wade Hannell, flanker Lapana Vitale, and hooker Nick Garnett. The Lakes gave it their all, and tried to get back in the match in the second half but it was not to be. Best players for the home side were prop Glen Stone and back Brendan Quigg.
 
Kariong recorded their first win of the season when they defeated Warnervale by 30 points to 12 at Woongarrah Oval. The win would be a relief for Kariong after quite a few good performances in recent weeks. The entire match saw Kariong just that little bit more in control in general play, and as a result on the scoreboard. Kariong went to the halftime break leading by 18 points to 5, and continued on in the same vein to post a further 12 points in the second half to secure the victory. Kariong scored 4 tries to one and that was an indicator of the difference between the two teams. Best players for Kariong were lock Jake Smith, halfback Scott Hanley, and flanker Josh Bottero. Warnervale never stopped trying and several players put in good performances. Best on the day for them were flanker Jacob Griffin and No.8 Tevita Moala.  
 
Gosford retuned to the winner’s circle when they recorded a handsome win over Hornsby by 49 points to nil at Gosford Showground. Gosford were always in control. They controlled the set pieces for the entire 80 minutes and as a result were able to cross for 9 tries in the match. It was simply not Hornsby’s day. They could not get into the match and everything they tried failed to come to fruition. It was a good effort by the Gosford team. Best players for Gosford were backs Joel Wagner and Adam Howe. Howe was able to cross for three personal tries for the home side. Gosford led by 19 points to nil at halftime, and then were able to continue their good form and to pile on a further 30 points in the final 40 minutes. The win keeps Gosford in touch with the leading teams, while Hornsby will need to regroup for their next match.
 
In the President’s Cup, The Entrance and Terrigal played out a tight match at Joseph Banks Oval. Terrigal were able to sneak home by 8 point to 5 in a match that could have gone either way. In a match played on Friday night, with a big crowd in attendance, these spectators were treated to a hard fought contest.

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION RESULTS
SATURDAY, 16th APRIL, 2016
ROUND 3
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Ourimbah                    26 (1)
Owen Turner 2, Apisai Vatubuli, Alex Dark tries;
Adam Williams 2 conversions;
Anthony Eriksson 1 conversion
 
defeated
Gosford                       25 (1)  
Josh McGlynn try;
Hugo Pike 6 penalty goals, 1 conversion
 
 
Woy Woy                    46 (1)  
Lapana Vitale 3, Josefa Kunawave 2, Dan Naivalu, Iliesa Rokodraga tries;
Alex Moore 1 penalty goal, 3 conversions;
Sione Toki 1 conversion
 
defeated
Kariong                       17                   
Ryan Walbank, Shannon Beavan tries;
Scott Hanley 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
 
Hornsby                      29 (1)  
Mitch Fullager 2, Harry Fox, Ed Mills, Kalefonua Halifonua tries;
Sam White 2 conversions
 
defeated
Warnervale                  10                   
Brennan Wanstall, Tevita Moala tries
                                                           
 
 
Terrigal                        32 (1)
Dan Sargeant, Alex Carver, Alec Herridge, Dylan Calabria, Michael Beckers tries;
Aaron Tait 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
The Lakes                      8                  
Dillon Rinn try;
Bill Moroney 1 penalty goal
 
 
POINTS TABLE
Ourimbah                    15
Terrigal                        15
Woy Woy                    10
Avoca Beach                 9
Gosford                        5
Hornsby                        5
The Lakes                     1
Kariong                        0
Warnervale                   0
 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah        15                    Gosford           12 (1)
Woy Woy        33 (1)               Kariong           10
Hornsby          25 (1)               Warnervale      12         
Terrigal            21                    The Lakes        15 (1)                                      
                                     
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy        40 (1)               Kariong             7         
The Lakes        38 (1)               Terrigal            10                      
Warnervale      19                    Hornsby          14 (1)
The Entrance   12                    Avoca Beach     5 (1)                
 
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah        26 (1)               Gosford           12                   
 
REPORT :
 
The 2016 Central Coast rugby season continued with some very tight matches and a pleasing standard of rugby. The Match of the Day at Ourimbah Rugby Park saw Ourimbah score in the final moments of the match to defeat Gosford by 26 points to 25. It was an even struggle throughout but Ourimbah did score 4 tries to one to seal the victory.
The first half saw play move from end of the field to the other while the scoreboard was also changing regularly throughout the first 40 minutes. Gosford opened the scoring with a penalty goal to flanker Hugo Pike, but it was not long before Ourimbah had replied with their first try. Ourimbah had taken the lead and increased that lead to 14 points to 9 at the midway point of the first half. Gosford then did score their only try of the match when their centre Josh McGlynn crossed for a converted try, for Gosford to grab the lead by 16 points to 14. A further penalty goal to Gosford saw them go into the halftime break leading by 19 points to 14. However it did not take long for Ourimbah to square up the match. Ourimbah scored a try soon after the break to make the scores 19 apiece. The match was certainly developing into a very intense struggle with both teams having further opportunities to post points. Gosford kicked two further penalties for them to take the lead by 25 points to 19. This remained the score for quite awhile. Ourimbah were desperately trying to bridge the gap with continual attacks and also several lost chances. Good Gosford defence did keep them out for a long period. Ourimbah had several good players. None were better than prop Apisai Vatubuli, centre Alex Dark, and flanker Owen Turner, who crossed for 2 tries. Gosford played quite well, and were best served by flanker Hugo Pike, whose kicks at goal kept Gosford in the match, lock Mitch Cornwell, and halves Joel Wagner and Sam Underwood. It was Ourimbah who secured the win in the final minute when they crossed for a converted try to take the lead and the match 26-25. It was an exciting match for those in attendance, and both clubs will take a lot from the match.
 
Woy Woy christened their newly revamped Woy Woy Oval with an efficient victory over Kariong by 46 points to 17. In front of a big crowd, it was Woy Woy who controlled proceedings for much of the match. The match started with Kariong doing most of the attacking. They camped themselves in Woy Woy’s territory but they simply could not make any impact on the scoreboard. In fact it was Woy Woy who opened the scoring with a penalty goal to their fullback Alex Moore, for Woy Woy to lead by 3 points to nil. Woy Woy continued to attack and before long had crossed for a further 2 tries to take the lead by 15 points to 3 at the midway point of the first half. Kariong had been able to kick a penalty goal early on to their halfback Scott Hanley. Woy Woy increased their lead to 22 points to 3 by the halftime break. Woy Woy were now in control, both of play on the paddock and as a result on the scoreboard. Kariong were giving it all but they were unable to break through. Woy Woy had several very good players. Flanker Lapana Vitale was outstanding, and he crossed for 3 individual tries in the match. He was very well supported by Joseva Kunawave and Kane Burns. Kariong were best served by Captain Coach Shannon Beavan, prop Cory Holwill and half Scott Hanley. Woy Woy continued to dominate in the second half and had jumped to a winning lead of 36 points to 3 before Kariong were able to respond with their first try. Kariong did cross for two tries in the last quarter of the match, but so did Woy Woy, for the home team to maintain their lead. It was an excellent win by Woy Woy and it capped off a great day for the Woy Woy club at their new ground. Kariong were very competitive despite the score line, and they will trouble many teams before this season is over.
 
Terrigal continued on their winning way when they recorded a 32 points to 8 win over The Lakes at The Haven Oval. Terrigal did run out comfortable winners, and they did score 5 tries to one, but they did not have it all their own way, especially in the first half of the match. In fact at halftime, Terrigal only led by 5 points to 3 and the match at that stage was certainly up for grabs. The first half saw a real arm wrestle with both teams having opportunities to post points but unable to do so. However the second half was a different story. Terrigal were able to cross for 4 tries in the final 40 minutes, while the visitors were only able to respond with one.  Best players for Terrigal were flanker Alex Carver, who crossed for 2 tries, fullback Dan Sargeant and forward Sam Kenny. The Lakes put in a great team effort and they also will trouble many teams as this season progresses.
 
Hornsby notched up their first win of the season when they defeated Warnervale by 29 points to 10 at Mark Taylor Oval. This match was hard fought and quite even despite Hornsby getting away on the scoreboard late in the match. Both teams gave it their all in the first half but it was Hornsby who went to the halftime break leading by 17 points to 5. It seemed at that stage that Hornsby were in control and would go on to win. That did happen, but not before a real struggle occurred. Warnervale got right back into the match after halftime when they scored their second try. This made the score 17 points to 10 and both teams knew they had chances to get the victory. This remained the score for quite awhile however it was the home side who cemented the win with two late tries. Best players for Hornsby were Mitch Fullager, who crossed for 2 tries, Harry Fox and Ed Mills. Best players for Warnervale included hooker Rhys Sexton, No.8 Tevita Moala, and centre Sione Tonga. Hornsby have their first win of the year and will be excited about that, but both teams put in very good efforts in this match and will take a lot from it.
 
In the President’s Cup, The Entrance and Avoca Beach played out a hard fought match at Joseph Banks Oval. The Entrance were able to secure their first win of the season when they won by 12 points to 5.
 

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION RESULTS
SATURDAY, 9th APRIL, 2016
ROUND 2
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Woy Woy                    37 (1)
Dan Naivalu, Alex Moore, Iliesa Rokodraga, Brennan Lacey, Blake Batton tries;
Dan Naivalu 1 conversion;
Alex Moore 2 penalty goals, 2 conversions
 
defeated
Gosford                       17                   
Vince Stewart, Adam Howe, Chris Heap tries;
Hugo Pike 1 conversion
 
 
Avoca Beach               43 (1)
Elliot Dawkins, Chad Martin, Nick Arnold, Mitch Jacob, Matt Anderson, Tyler McManus, Nathan Brown tries;
Nathan Brown 4 conversions
 
defeated
Warnervale                  7                    
Brennan Daynez try;
Sione Tonga 1 conversion
 
                                               
Ourimbah                    58 (1)  
Owen Turner 2, Apisai Vatubuli 2, Jack Stonestreet 2, Matt King, Sam Kearney, Brett Cunningham tries;
Ryan Pike 5 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
The Lakes                      5                   
Adam Kea try
 
 
 
Terrigal                        52 (1)
Dan Sargeant 2, Ethan McGuiness 2, Nathan Simpson, Josh Vainikolo, Tom Lowe, Dylan Calabria tries;
Aaron Tait 6 conversions
 
defeated
Hornsby                      14                   
Harry Fox 2 tries;
James Garnett 2 conversions
 
POINTS TABLE
Ourimbah                    10
Terrigal                        10
Avoca Beach                 9
Woy Woy                      5
Gosford                        4
The Lakes                     1
Kariong                        0
Hornsby                       0
Warnervale                   0
 
 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Gosford           22                    Woy Woy        18 (1)
Avoca Beach   56 (1)               Warnervale        0
Ourimbah        34 (1)               The Lakes          0                     
Terrigal            27 (1)               Hornsby            3       
                                     
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy        29 (1)               Gosford             7
Avoca Beach   12                    Warnervale        5
The Lakes        20 (1)               Ourimbah          0                     
Terrigal            20 (1)               Hornsby            0
Kariong           35 (1)               The Entrance   10                     
 
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Avoca Beach   15                    Warnervale        3                   
Gosford           62 (1)               Woy Woy          0                   
 
 
REPORT :
 
The 2016 Central Coast Rugby season continued with some pleasing games of rugby. However each of the matches did result in relatively convincing wins by the time the 80 minute mark had been reached.
 
The Match of the Round at Gosford Showground saw Woy Woy defeat Gosford by 37 points to 17 in a match which saw the visitors always in control of proceedings on the scoreboard.
Woy Woy got away to a brilliant start when they crossed for the opening try by their winger within the first 2 minutes of the start of the match. The conversion of this try made the score 7 nil and Woy Woy were never headed from that point. Gosford did fight back and did have their chances to post points. However, all of their attacks were stopped, until the 15th minute when winger Chris Heap scored in the corner to make the scores 7-5. A good scrum win saw Gosford run to the blind for Heap to score a good try for the home side. Two penalty goals to Woy Woy fullback Alex Moore saw Woy Woy increase their lead to 13-5, before a great run by their five-eight Dan Naivalu saw Woy Woy go to a very handy 20 points to 5 lead at the 30th minute mark. This run resulted from Naivalu racing 50 metres across field to score untouched. It was certainly a significant turning point in the match. This scoreline of 20-5 remained the score until the halftime break. Best players for Woy Woy were their five-eight Dan Naivalu, who was dangerous every time he touched the ball, while fullback Alex Moore was always safe under pressure. Flanker Lapana Vitale was also outstanding. He was right in the middle of the action all day. Gosford had several good players. Flanker Hugo Pike never stopped trying, and he was well supported by halfback Joel Wagner and lock Luke Hennig. The second half was quite an evenly fought 40 minutes of rugby but Woy Woy had achieved that very handy lead. Woy Woy outscored Gosford by 17 points to 12 in the second half and they went on to secure a good victory. Woy Woy scored three tries in that period, while Gosford responded with two, with the home side’s final try being scored right on fulltime. Woy Woy had scored their first win of the year and had quickly regrouped after their loss last week. Their efforts in this match showed they will be a force in the competition once again this year. Gosford were competitive at stages but they know they will have to put the work in if they are to challenge for the top places this year.
 
Avoca Beach scored a convincing 43 points to 7 victory over Warnervale at Heazlett Park. The home side were in control right from the start and by half time had gone to a 17 points to nil lead. Avoca Beach continued their dominance in the second stanza and in the final 40 minutes they were able to post a further 26 points. Best players for Avoca Beach were centres Matt Anderson and Mitch Jacob, while they were well supported by forwards Emile Thomas and Chad Martin. Josh Meadham had another great game for the home side and dominated the team’s efforts up front. The Avoca Beach scrum was dominant all day and largely contributed to the very good victory. Warnervale tried all match. They were rewarded with a try in the second half. Best players for the visitors were inside centre Francis Sui, hooker Rhys Sexton and five-eight Sione Tonga. Warnervale will get stronger as the season progresses as this was their first hit out of the year.
 
Terrigal continued their great start to the season with a convincing 52 points to 14 victory over Hornsby at The Haven Oval. Where it has been a great start by Terrigal, Hornsby have found things difficult for the first 2 weeks but being at home next week, they will certainly hit back. Terrigal controlled things right from the start. They jumped to a 31 points to 0 lead by halftime and had things under control already by then. The second half was a little more even with Terrigal only outscoring Hornsby by 21 points to 14 in that period. So it was great credit to Hornsby to be able to fight back and make a great effort in the second half. However the great first half by Terrigal had enabled them to secure the win. Best players for Terrigal were winger Dylan Calabria, No.8 Josh Vainikolo, and prop Nathan Simpson. In fact, all their players contributed well. New player in hooker Ethan McInnes was able to cross for 2 tries, as did back Dan Sargeant. Best for Hornsby were fullback Ben Astley and winger Harry Fox, who scored 2 tries. The win sees Terrigal maintain their lead at the top of the competition ladder with Ourimbah.
 
Ourimbah maintained their position at the top of the competition table when they easily accounted for The Lakes by 58 points to 5 at Slade Park. Ourimbah dominated all aspects of play and were never in danger of defeat. They had jumped to a 22 points to 5 lead at the halftime break and continued on in the same vein to record a most meritorious victory. The Lakes would be very disappointed with this result, especially after their good effort last Saturday and the fact they were at home for the first time this season. But Ourimbah showed why they won the Premiership last year and why they want to do the same this year. Once again props Apisai Vatubuli and Brett Cunningham were very good and controlled things up front. They were well supported by backs Jack Stonestreet and Matt King. Flanker Clint Guyatt also had one of his better matches and was all over the paddock all day. The Lakes gave it their all but just could not compete. They were only able to cross for the lone try during the match.
 
In the President’s Cup, The Entrance and Kariong played out a hard fought match at Kariong Oval. Kariong were the little stronger on the day running out victors by 35 points to 10.
 

SATURDAY, 2nd APRIL, 2016
 
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Avoca Beach               30
James Latham, Luke Sheridan, Mitch Jacob tries;
Nathan Brown 3 conversions, 3 penalty goals
 
defeated
Woy Woy                      8                   
Lapana Vitale try;
Alex Moore 1 penalty goal                                        
 
 
Ourimbah                    65 (1)
Brett Cunningham 2, Adam Williams 2, Dylan Gavin, Alec Dark, Steven Pike, Apisai Vatubuli, Matt King tries
Anthony Eriksson 7 conversions, 2 penalty goals

defeated
Hornsby                      14                   
Mitch Fullager, Josh Hamnett tries;
Sam White 2 conversions
 
Gosford                       15                   
Vince Stewart, Adam Howe, Josh McGlynn tries
 
defeated
The Lakes                    10 (1)
Che O’Brien, James Burton tries
 
Terrigal                        39 (1)              
Alec Herridge 2, Dan Sargeant 2, Mitch Hirst, Declan Shepherd tries;
Alec Herridge 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Kariong                       17                   
Shannon Beavan, Ryan Walbank tries;
Scott Hanley 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
 
POINTS TABLE
Ourimbah                    5
Terrigal                        5
Avoca Beach               4
Gosford                       4
The Lakes                    1
Kariong                       0
Woy Woy                    0
Hornsby                      0
Warnervale                  0
 
 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy        22                    Avoca Beach               20 (1)
Ourimbah        59 (1)               Hornsby                        5                     
Terrigal            27 (1)               Kariong                         7       
Gosford           34 (1)               The Lakes                     7
                                     
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
 
Woy Woy        38 (1)               Avoca Beach                 7
Hornsby          20 (1)               Ourimbah                     0                     
Terrigal            17                    Kariong                         7       
The Lake         59 (1)               Gosford                         0
Warnervale      22 (1)               The Entrance                 7
                         
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah        36 (1)               Warnervale                    8                                           
Avoca Beach   50 (1)               Woy Woy                      0
Terrigal            19                    Gosford                       12 (1)  
 
 
REPORT :
 
The 2016 Central Coast Rugby season opened with some very interesting matches. There were some close matches, and some unpredictable results.
 
In the Match of the Round, Avoca Beach defeated Woy Woy by 30 points to 8 at Ettalong Oval. This match was a hard fought affair with both teams having periods of success. Avoca Beach had the slightly belter of the first half and went to the break leading by 10 points to 3. At that stage the game was definitely up for grabs. The very warm conditions were adding to the extra toil of the players. In the first match of the season, and in hot conditions, players were finding things tough right across the Coast. The Avoca Beach set piece, especially the scrum, was proving very strong and they were dominating this area of play. This gave their team a huge advantage and allowed the visiting backline to get on the go forward. Avoca Beach had several good players but none were better than props Josh Meadham and Luke Sheridan, as well as forward Chad Martin. Woy Woy, because of their scrum issues, were forced to go uncontested in the match. Avoca Beach were able to score a further 20 points in the second half, while Woy Woy were only able to reply with the one try. Woy Woy hung in there, and their best players included flanker Lapana Vitale, who scored their try, as well as good performances by centre Fokolulu Taumololo, half back Zac Stride and fullback Alec Moore. Both teams will have things to work on, but it was a very noteworthy performance by Avoca Beach in the opening round of the competition.
 
Terrigal proved too strong for Kariong at Kariong Oval running out victors by 39 points to 17. However they certainly did not have it all their own way. In fact things looked bad for them at halftime. Kariong started the match very strongly. They raced to a 17 points to 0 lead and things were certainly looking rosy for the home side. They played some excellent rugby and were able to cross for two very good tries. Best players for Kariong at that stage were No.8 Phil Brown, centre Ryan Walbank and prop Shannon Beavan. Kariong led at the halftime break by 17 points to 5 and Terrigal had just scored on the halftime break. However the further the match went on the stronger and more dominant Terrigal became. The visitors scored 34 unanswered points in the second stanza and were clearly dominant. Terrigal crossed for 5 tries in the final 40 minutes and this was a clear indication of the flow of the match. Best players were Terrigal were Ryan Metcalfe, who started at halfback and moved to flanker, and fullback Alec Herridge who had a great game and scored 19 personal points. It was a very good win by Terrigal but also showed Kariong will be a force this year but they will realise they have to play the full 80 minutes.
 
The tightest match of the day was at Gosford Showground, where Gosford just got home by 15 points to 10. It was a tough physical encounter from start to finish. Gosford scored 3 tries to 2 and that was a good indicator of the flow of the match. No-one could kick goals on the day. The match certainly saw a great turnaround for The Lakes who last season struggled very much. They have acquired some fresh players and certainly had their chance to win this match. Gosford only led by 10 points to 5 at the halftime break so both teams knew they could win this one. In fact at the start of the second half, and for almost 15 minutes, the visitors were on continual attack. However good defence by Gosford kept them out. Both teams were only able to score a try apiece in the final 20 minutes to allow the home side to hang on for the narrowest of victories. Both teams will take a lot from the match. It was the first proper hit out for many of the players, and they would know they had been in a game of rugby. Best players for Gosford were No.8 Al Lock and halfback Joel Wagner, and they were well supported by hooker Vince Stewart and centre Josh McGlynn. The Lakes put in a great team performance. Their best players were their flankers Che O’Brien and James Burton who scored a try each and were very good right across the paddock. Both teams will be thereabouts this year and it all makes for an interesting competition in these early weeks of the year.
 
Ourimbah proved they will be a force once again this year when they easily accounted for Hornsby by 65 points to 14 at Ourimbah Rugby Park. Ourimbah are the reigning Premiers and will be most keen to keep that mantle this year. However they know all teams will come at them hard this year. Ourimbah dominated from the start, and led by 32 points to nil at the halftime break, and they then continued that dominance right through the match. Ourimbah were able to cross for 9 tries to control proceedings from start to finish. Hornsby did have some players missing on the day but it was always going to be an uphill battle. Best players for Ourimbah were their props Apisai Vatubuli and Brett Cunningham, who crossed for 2 tries, and halfback Matt King. Hornsby gave it their all, and were best served by flanker Tim Graham-Robertson, Brian Mudge, and Mitch Fullager, who scored one of their two tries. This was a good win by Ourimbah, and for Hornsby, they will get stronger as the season progresses.
 
In the President’s Cup, The Entrance made a real game of it at Woongarah Oval, but the home side Warnervale proved too strong and ran out winners by 22 points to 7.