MEDIA RELEASE :
 
NSW COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS COMING WEEKEND  ...      
28th/29th April, 2018
 
The Central Coast Representative teams travel to Warren this weekend for the NSW Country Championships. These Championships will be held in the Western Plains region for the very first time and the whole community at Warren will ensure they will be a success.
 
The Senior team plays Far North Coast in the first round of the Richardson Shield on Saturday afternoon. This is a must win game and the winner continues on to the Shield Final on the Sunday. It will be a tough day of rugby,
The team has had a very pleasing start to the campaign and there has been much competition for positions in the team. The Seniors have played excellent trial matches against Newcastle at home and Central West in Bathurst. Although defeated by Newcastle it was an excellent trial and it was the team’s first run together. The second trial against Central West saw the team get the win by 33 points to 26 and this was a far more structured effort. The team has trained strongly for well over 3 months and are primed to perform well at the weekend. Coach Stew Jenkins is excited about the team’s chances. He feels this is the best squad put together for several years and he has high hopes of going all the way in Warren.
 
The Colts (Under 19’s) will also compete in the NSW Country Championships and on Saturday play Central West. Coach Michael Burgess is in charge and has been very pleased with their recent training sessions, and the players are displaying much enthusiasm and commitment. The winner of the Colts match on Saturday will go straight into the Final on Sunday.
 
The Women’s 7’s team have been training since the end of last year and are ready to go in their Championship in Warren. They will play several matches on the Saturday and they are hoping to make the semi-finals and Final on the Sunday.
 
The three teams will travel to Warren on Friday in readiness for the weekend’s NSW Country Championships.
 
 *** Team Lists have been posted on the Central Coast Rugby Union Facebook page ***
 

RESULTS
SATURDAY, 21st APRIL, 2018
ROUND 3
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Terrigal                       22                   
Alex Brewin, Sekope Maea, Josh Cotter tries;
Aaron Tait 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal;
Mark Koteczky 1 conversion
 
defeated
The Lakes                     7                   
Paula Sautu try;
Logan Hemopo 1 conversion
 
 
Ourimbah                    38 (1)
Brett Cunningham, Josefa Biu, Matt Hopkins, Elekana Laupola, Matt King, Craig Thomas tries;
Jayden Pearson 4 conversions
 
defeated
Gosford                       17                   
Shay Neist 2, Al Lock tries;
Jack Shelley 1 conversion
 
 
Warnervale                 16                   
Mitch Riley try;
Cameron McNamara 3 penalty goals, 1 conversion
 
defeated
Kariong                       13 (1)
Brandon Shillingsworth try;
Ryan Wallbank 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
 
                                                           
Avoca Beach               50 (1)
Pat Wheatley 2, Matt Anderson, Blake Jacob, Dylan Cadogan, Luke Wiseman, Mitch Jacob, Emile Thomas tries;
Dylan Cadogan 5 conversions
 
defeated
Hornsby                      10                   
Mitch Pinchbeck try;
Sam White 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       10        The Lakes         7 (1)
Ourimbah                    42 (1)  Gosford             7
Avoca Beach               41 (1)  Hornsby            0         
Kariong                       36 (1)  Warnervale     12                                             
 
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       16        The Lakes       14 (1)
Ourimbah                    26 (1)  Gosford             7
Avoca Beach               20 (1)  Hornsby            0
The Entrance               22 (1)    Woy Woy         3         
                                                                                      
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah                    20 (1)  Warnervale       0         
Avoca Beach               17        Woy Woy         0
 
REPORT :
 
Another close series of matches saw the Central Coast Rugby Union competition become more and more interesting. All matches were reasonably tight even though the scores got away in a couple of the matches. The competition this year is developing into a very close one where all teams can get the win on the day.
 
The Match of the Round saw Terrigal defeat The Lakes by 22 points to 7 at Slade Park. It was a match of two halves where both teams gave it their all in an attempt to gain victory. The first half saw The Lakes start very well and was certainly putting the visitors under substantial pressure. In fact it was The Lakes who posted the first points and a converted try saw them take the lead by 7 points to nil after only 15 minutes. The Lakes were taking the match to Terrigal and were forcing the Terrigal side into several errors. Terrigal did however manage the storm and they themselves responded with a penalty goal before the halftime break. The Lakes went to the halftime break leading by 7 points to 3 and things were certainly looking very good for them. However Terrigal played very structured rugby in the second stanza and this controlled play enabled them to wear the home side down. Terrigal took the lead 10 minutes into the second half with a converted try and then were able to go on with it, posting another 2 tries in the remaining period of the second half. Best players for Terrigal were lock Alex Brewin, who never stopped all day, and inside centre Mark Koteczky, who was proving dangerous in attack and ended up scoring a try. Halfback Sekope Maea was also dangerous all day and was a wonderful link between his forwards and his backline. Both teams would be pleased with their efforts. Terrigal remain undefeated this season while The Lakes, despite the loss, are still the competition leader, and definitely proved they will be a definite force this year.
 
In a very close struggle at Kariong Oval, Warnervale were able to hang on for victory when they defeated Kariong by 16 points to 13. Warnervale got away to a very good start and had the better of the first half. They crossed for their only try in this half and they went to the halftime break leading by 10 points to 3. However both teams knew the match was far from settled at that stage. Once again Kariong had not got away to the start they wanted, and they had to claw their way back into the match. Kariong did this and close to fulltime had squared the match at 13 points apiece. However a penalty goal to Warnervale on fulltime saw Warnervale grab the win by 16 points to 13. For the second week in a row, Kariong had been pipped at the post. It was a battle from start to finish, and both teams suffered several injuries in the process. Best for Warnervale were fullback Mitch Riley, who crossed for a try, and five-eight Joey Walton and Cameron McNamara. Kariong had several very good players but none were better than flanker Josh Bottero and Blake Silvester. Warnervale have now got 2 wins from their 3 matches, while Kariong have been so close in all their three clashes but now realise they must get a win soon.
 
Ourimbah proved too strong for Gosford at Gosford Showground and ran out winners by 38 points to 17. The first half was quite an even struggle with neither team really able to assert any real dominance over the other team. Ourimbah got away to a brilliant start and crossed for their opening try within 2 minutes of the start of the match when lock Matt Hopkins crossed for their opening try. This 7 nil lead looked ominous for the home side. However the remainder of the first half was an arm wrestle and both teams were only able to cross for a single try each in the remaining period of the half. Ourimbah went to the halftime break leading by 12 points to 5 and both teams would have seen hope for a victory at that stage. However it was the opening 20 minutes of the second half where Ourimbah surged ahead. They were able to cross for a further 3 tries in that period and by midway through the half had jumped to a 31 points to 5 lead. At that stage the match was over but both teams never gave up. Gosford did cross for 2 late tries but it was all too late. Best players for Ourimbah were flanker James Blanch, fullback Jayden Pearson, and prop Jordan Clark. The centre pairing of Owen Turner and Craig Thomas were also very effective in both attack and defence. Gosford were best served by flanker Vince Stewart, five-eight Sam Underwood and centre Josh Reid. Ourimbah would be pleased to get back into the winner’s circle after last week’s loss, while Gosford realise they have much to do if they are to make an impact on the competition this year.
 
Avoca Beach remains undefeated when they defeated Hornsby by 50 points to 10 at Heazlett Park. Avoca Beach were always in control, both on the field and on the scoreboard. They went to the halftime break leading by 22 points to 3. They were then able to post a further 28 points in the second half to secure the win. Avoca Beach played well and really gave Hornsby no chance. The home side were best served by Dylan Cadogan, who posted 15 individual points, Pat Wheatley, Matt Anderson and Luke Wiseman. Hornsby hung in there and never stopped for the full 80 minutes.  Their best players were Mitch Pinchbeck, who crossed for their try, Toby Forde and Sam White. Avoca Beach have had a very good start to the season, while Hornsby will definitely be looking forward to their first home match after playing the first three rounds away from home.
 
The Entrance scored their first win of the season when they defeated Woy Woy by 22 points to 3 at Joseph Banks Oval. It was their best effort of the season and one they full deserved.  
 

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
RESULTS
SATURDAY, 14th APRIL, 2018
ROUND 2

PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)

The Lakes               38 (1)
Macui Rauluni 3, Peni Rauluni 2, Barry Graham tries;
Logan Hemopo 4 conversions

defeated
Ourimbah                28 (1)
Jack Stonestreet 4 tries;
Jarrod Grange 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals


Avoca Beach             28             
Dylan Cadogan try
Dylan Cadogan 1 conversion, 5 penalty goals, 1 field goal
Mitch Jacob 1 penalty goal

defeated
Kariong         27 (2)
Mitch Clay, Adam Pearson, Blake Sylvester, Phil Brown tries;
Ryan Wallbank 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal


Woy Woy         22 (1)
Nick Garnett, Corey Fleming, Matt Graham, Blake Arahill tries
Fokolulu Taumalolo 1 conversion

defeated
Warnervale              17 (1)
Kevin McNamara 2, Cameron McNamara tries
Cameron McNamara 1 conversion


Gosford         27 (1)
Hugo Pike, Jackson Steinbeck, Adam Carlisle, Chris Heap, Jack Shelley tries
Adam Carlisle 1 conversion

defeated
Hornsby         17             
Mitch Fullager 2 tries;
Mitch Fullager 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal

​
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
The Lakes               17          Ourimbah         7
Avoca Beach           27 (1)     Kariong  7       
Warnervale              19          Woy Woy 12 (1)
Gosford                    12      Hornsby  3     
                                                         
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
The Lakes               14           Ourimbah        11 (1)
Gosford                    20 (1)      Hornsby   0
Terrigal                     25            The Entrance      7     

                                         
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy             62 (1)         Warnervale       0
Terrigal                59 (1)         Ourimbah         7


REPORT :

The 2018 Central Coast Rugby season continued with some very exciting matches. All matches were very tight and the winner of each match was not secured until the final whistle.

The Match of the Day saw The Lakes continue their great start to the 2018 season when they defeated Ourimbah by 38 points to 28. The Lakes definitely proved they will be a threat to all teams this year and their two performances so far are a major turnaround for them from last year. The Lakes got away to a great start and took control of proceedings right from the word go. They crossed for several early tries and by halftime had jumped to a very meritorious lead of 28 points to 13. It appeared the match was all but over even at that stage. The Lakes had several very good players at this stage but none were better than fullback Macui Rauluni, who crossed for 3 tries, and No.8 Peni Rauluni, who posted for 2 tries. They were both always dangerous with the ball in hand. They were well supported by lock James McCombie. The second half proved a far more even affair. Both teams went almost try for try but the damage had already happened for Ourimbah. Best players for the home side were five-eight Toby Carver, prop Will Fraser and winger Jack Stonestreet, who crossed for 4 tries in what was a very good individual performance. The Lakes continue to lead the competition with 2 great wins while Ourimbah will have to regroup for their clash with Gosford next week.

In a very unusual match Avoca Beach kicked a penalty goal on full time to defeat Kariong by 28 points to 27 at Heazlett Park. It was a battle from start to finish and both teams definitely had their chances of victory. Avoca Beach had the better of the first half and went to the halftime break leading by 16 points to 3. However, like last week, Kariong had a far better second half, and actually chased Avoca Beach down and took the lead during the second stanza. However it was Avoca Beach who kicked a penalty goal right on fulltime to snatch the lead by the single point. The other extraordinary thing about the match was that Kariong scored 4 tries to one and still lost the match. Avoca Beach must thank their goal kicker Dylan Cadogan who kicked 7 goals, he also scored a try to acquire a personal tally of 25 points. Kariong would be most disappointed with the result and would rue their chances, especially scoring 4 tries. Best for Kariong were five-eight Mitch Clay, who scored 3 tries, centre Julian Onutu and lock Adam Pearson. Both teams proved they will be a threat all season. Kariong know they can win but slow starts in both their matches this season have not helped. Avoca Beach, in their first match of the season, would be thankful for the win.

Woy Woy came from behind to defeat Warnervale by 22 points to 17 at Woongarrah Oval. Warnervale had the better of the first half and led by 10 points to 7 at the halftime break. However the match was proving very tight and both teams at that stage knew they had real chances of victory. Best players for Warnervale in that first half were flanker Dean Crofskey and forward Kevin McNamara. Woy Woy took the lead in the second half and did outscore the home side by 15 points to 7 in the second half. Warnervale have struggled a little in the second half of their matches and they work on that in the coming weeks. Best for Woy Woy were No.8 Alifeleti Atiola,  five-eight Fokolulu Taumalolo and centre Wade Hannell. Both teams knew they could achieve a win in this match but it was the visitors who prevailed.

Gosford turned to the winner’s list with a hard fought win over Hornsby by 27 points to 17 at Carrington Street Oval. Gosford went to the halftime break leading by 12 points to 7 and things were looking good for them. Hornsby however were not to be denied and some very pleasing rugby saw them get to the lead during the second half. But it was short lived. Two late tries to Gosford saw the home side secure the win. Best for Gosford were veteran five-eight Adam Carlisle, No.8 Jackson Steinbeck and winger Jack Shelley. Hornsby were best served by flanker Toby Foord and hooker Brian Mudge. Gosford will be pleased with the win especially after the loss last week, while Hornsby know they are competitive this year. They have lost both their matches but have shown they will be a threat this year.

In the President’s Cup, Terrigal proved too strong on the day when they defeated The Entrance by 25 points to 7 at The Haven Oval. It was a pleasing game of rugby but the home side prevailed on the day.

Women’s 7’s rugby continued on the Central Coast when teams played a gala series of matches at Woongarrah Oval.

​CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNIONRESULTS
SATURDAY, 7th APRIL, 2018
ROUND 1
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
The Lakes                   55 (1) 
Macui Rauluni 3, Peni Rauluni 3, Eddie Vuniiwawa, Semisi Saitadra, Joe Robelle tries;
Logan Hemopo 5 conversions
 
defeated
Gosford                       15                   
Jackson Steinbeck 2, Shae Neist tries
 
                                                           
Terrigal                       30 (1)
Sekope Maea 2, Vaughan Kernan, Dan Sargeant, Mark Koteczky tries;
Mark Koteczky 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Kariong                       17                   
Cory Holwill, Blake Sylvester tries;
Ryan Wallbank 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
 
Ourimbah                    24 (1)
Jack Stonestreet, Will Fraser, Josefa Biu, Craig Thomas tries;
Jarrod Grange 2 conversions
 
defeated
Woy Woy                     8                   
Mitch Leonard try;
Alex Moore 1 penalty goal
 
 
Warnervale                 20                   
Mitchell Johnson, Luke Burgess, Ketoni Toutai tries;
Cameron McNamara 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated         
Hornsby                      10                   
Mitch Fullager try;
Sam White 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
 
 
                                                 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
The Lakes                   29 (1)  Gosford             7       
Terrigal                       64 (1) Kariong             7
Ourimbah                    12        Woy Woy         3
Warnervale                 31 (1)  Hornsby            7                                                                                                
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
The Lakes                   20 (1)  Gosford             0       
Ourimbah                    52 (1)  Woy Woy         0
Avoca Beach               14        The Entrance    3
                                                                                      
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy                   29 (1)  Ourimbah          6                                           
Avoca Beach               65 (1)  Warnervale       7
 
WOMEN (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy                   31 (1)  Avoca Beach     5
Hornsby                      19        Ourimbah          0
Woy Woy                   43 (1)  Hornsby            5
Avoca Beach               31 (1)  Ourimbah        19
Woy Woy                   17        Ourimbah          0
Hornsby                      20 (1)  Avoca Beach     0                                           
 
 
REPORT :
 
The 2018 Central Coast Rugby season opened with some very interesting matches. There were some close matches, but all of the teams would have enjoyed their first competitive hit out of the season and certainly all teams will get stronger and stronger as the season continues as they get their combinations more settled.
 
In the Match of the Round at Slade Park, The Lakes had their best start to any season with a most convincing win over Gosford by 55 points to 15. The Lakes took control right from the opening whistle and never looked in doubt of the victory. The home side had all the ball in the opening 20 minutes and Gosford were simply unable to get their hands on it. The Lakes were controlling possession in the set piece and their outside backs looked extremely dangerous every time they touched the ball. The Lakes had crossed for tries in the 10th, 13th, 16th, and 25th minutes of the first half and they had jumped to a 24 points to nil lead just over midway through the first half. No.8 Peni Rauluni was dangerous every time he touched the ball and was making continuous inroads into the Gosford defence. The Lakes forward pack, although pushed back in a couple of early scrums, was so strong at the breakdown. Once the ball went wide it was almost always a try. Winger Eddie Vuniiwawa was so effective all match and was able to cross for 3 personal tries. Fullback Macui Raulini was also so dangerous and he will have a very strong influence on the competition this year. The Lakes continued their strong attack for the remainder of the first half and went to the halftime break leading by 34 points to nil. Gosford were able to make a far better effort in the second stanza but it was all too late. The Lakes had jumped to a 55 points to nil lead on the scoreboard before Gosford were able to post any points. The visitor’s best player was Jackson Steinbeck who crossed for 2 tries, while players such as Vince Stewart and Hugo Pike never stopped trying. The Lakes were very good, and they will trouble all teams this year. They are now on top of the competition ladder but it is a long way until the end of the season. However the club would be very proud of their efforts yesterday. Gosford will have to regroup, and start planning for their match next week.
 
Terrigal commenced their season with a victory, running out winners over Kariong by 30 points to 17 at Kariong Oval. Terrigal certainly did not have it all their own way. Terrigal did get away to a great start and by halftime had jumped to a lead of 25 points to 3 and it seemed the match was all but over. They had played excellent rugby in that first 40 minutes. No player was better than their halfback Sekope Maea, who crossed for 2 tries, while lock Alex Brewin and five-eight Vaughan Kernan, in his top grade debut for the club, were very good. However Kariong were not to go down without a fight. They played much better rugby in the second half – they were able to post 14 points and also keep Terrigal to a late single try. Best for Kariong during this period were five-eight Mitch Clay and fullback Ryan Wallbank. Both teams will take a lot from this match. Terrigal will again be a force this year, while Kariong know, because of their fight back yesterday, that they can trouble all teams in the competition. It was Round 1 and a lot of things can happen from now on in the competition.
 
Ourimbah defeated Woy Woy at Woy Woy Oval by 24 points to 8. It was a tussle from start to finish but the Ourimbah team were always just in front on the scoreboard. Ourimbah took control in the early stages and were able to continue on and lead by 12 points to 3 at the halftime break. To make things worse for the home team, Ourimbah crossed for a converted try soon after the break and very early on in the second stanza Ourimbah led by 19 points to 3. The remainder of the match was a very even struggle with neither team really able to get those vital points. Ourimbah were unable to get further ahead and Woy Woy were finding it difficult to get back into the match on the scoreboard. Like all the other matches in Round 1, the teams will take a lot from it and will build for the remainder of the season. Best players for Ourimbah were James Blanch, Craig Thomas and Eddie Laupola, while Woy Woy were best served by Fokolulu Taumololo, Suniita Fihaki, Corey Fleming and Nick Garnett.
 
Warnervale commenced their season with a meritorious victory against Hornsby winning by 20 points to 10 at Woongarrah Oval. Like several of the other games on the day, Warnervale did not have it all their own way. Warnervale got away to a great start and dominated the early stages of the match. This pattern continued right through to halftime where the home side led by 20 points to 3. It seemed the match was over at that stge. Warnervale had several very good players in that half and none were better then flanker Cameron McNamara, Luke Burgess and Mitchell Johnson. However the second half saw a more concerted effort by Hornsby. They threw everything at Warnervale and played some most effective rugby. They were able to post their own try in that half, and were also able to keep Warnervale scoreless in the final 40 minutes. However the good start by Warnervale saw them home at the 80 minute mark. Best for Hornsby were winger John O’Donnell, flanker John King and backs Mitch Fullager and Sam White. Both teams will have a very good year, and they both definitely have strengthened this year and will prove obstacles to all teams in 2018.
 
In the President’s Cup, Avoca Beach proved too strong on the day when they defeated The Entrance by 14 points to 3. It was a good game of rugby and both teams gave it their all. It was hard fought and great opening game for both teams to commence the 2018 season.
 
Women’s 7’s rugby got under way on the Central Coast when teams competed in their first matches of the season. Woy Woy proved the most successful team on the day when they won all three of their matches, but it was simply great to see the ladies playing rugby and enjoying it. This competition will certainly build as the season progresses. The next series of matches will be at Woongarrah Oval next Saturday.