CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
​RESULTS
SATURDAY, 25th MAY, 2019
ROUND 7
 
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Terrigal                       39 (1)
Sekope Maea, Nathan Simpson, Ethan McInnes, Dan Sargeant, Jayden Woolley, Frankie Webber tries;
Jayden Woolley 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Avoca Beach                 0                               
 
 
Ourimbah                    36 (1)
Daniel Ford 2, Brett Cunningham, Tyrone Davies, Viliami Muru-Teutau, Messa Collata tries;
Tyrone Davies 3 conversions
 
defeated
Kariong                       10                   
Adam Peruch try;
Lachlan Peruch 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
 
 
Gosford                       32 (1)
Michael Jones 3, Shay Neist, Vince Stewart tries;
Damien Montgomery 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal;
Michael Jones 1 conversion
 
defeated
Warnervale                   7                   
Brenton Acreman try;
Cameron McNamara 1 conversion
 
                                                           
The Lakes                   27 (1)
Blake Dingham, Peni Raulini, Macui Raulini, Eddie Vuniwawa tries;
Logan Hemopo 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Hornsby                      26 (2)
Tim Graham-Robinson, Leone Naisaorotaboa, Mitch Fullager, Nate Webb tries;
Sam White 3 conversions
 
 
POINTS TABLE
Ourimbah                    30
Terrigal                       29
Gosford                       28
The Lakes                   18
Avoca Beach               17
Kariong                       10                                                                                  
Warnervale                   7
Hornsby                        4                                                                                            
Woy Woy                     1 
                         
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       29 (1)  Avoca Beach   20
Ourimbah                    51 (1)  Kariong           12
Gosford                       31 (1)  Warnervale     17
The Lakes                   45 (1)  Hornsby            3                                 
                                                                                                                          
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       24        Avoca Beach   22 (1)
Gosford                       20 (1)  Warnervale       0
Ourimbah                    59 (1)  Kariong             0
Woy Woy                   20 (1)  The Entrance    0         
                                                                                      
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Kariong                       34 (1)  Gosford             0                   
Avoca Beach               27 (1)  Terrigal           17
 
WOMEN (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       26 (1)  Avoca Beach     5
Hornsby                      17        The Lakes       15 (1)
Ourimbah                    12        Kariong             5 (1)
Terrigal                       29 (1)  Avoca Beach     0                   
The Lakes                   10        Hornsby          10       
Ourimbah                    22 (1)  Kariong             5
 
 
REPORT :
Saturday saw some enthralling games of rugby highlighted by the ‘match under the stars’ at The Haven Oval, where Terrigal defeated Avoca Beach by 39 points to 0. The score indicates an easy victory for Terrigal but they certainly did not get it easy. It was a hard fought and physical clash throughout with many players taking some knocks and bruises throughout the 80 minutes.
The match was played before a huge crowd at Terrigal and the pleasant evening conditions made viewing very comfortable for all concerned. Terrigal took the lead early on and were never headed in the match but Avoca Beach did make them work for every point. Terrigal did score 6 tries to nil and in reality that was a well deserved victory and ensured that they remained undefeated this season. Terrigal led by 15 points to nil at the halftime break and even at that stage the home side were in control, both on the paddock and on the scoreboard. The Terrigal forward pack was winning good possession and their backline was converting this possession into points on a regular basis. Terrigal continued their control into the second stanza and were able to post a further 24 points in that final 40 minutes. The 39 points scored demonstrated and confirmed that Terrigal are definitely a force to be reckoned with this year but the dogged resistance by Avoca Beach also showed they will be a threat in this competition all season. Best players for Terrigal were prop Kevin McNamara, loose forward Josh Vainikolo, while backs Sekope Maea, Jayden Woolley and Dan Sargeant were always dangerous with the ball in hand. Avoca Beach were best served by halfback Julian Bacigalupo, who never stopped trying all day, centre Matt Anderson and fullback Reece Pieper, who came on as replacement early on to put in a very good performance. It was a most successful night game of rugby before a huge crowd, but it was Terrigal who continued on their undefeated run.
 
Ourimbah also maintained their undefeated record this season when they defeated Kariong by 36 points to 10 at Ourimbah Rugby Park. This was also a very good game of rugby. It was Ourimbah who got away to the better start and early on led by 14 points to nil. However later in the first half the match did even out on the scoreboard but Ourimbah did still go to the halftime break leading by 19 points to 10. It was a deserved lead but one that really gave neither team any real confidence of victory at that stage. However Ourimbah quickly asserted itself in the second half. After scoring an early try to increase their lead to 24 points to 10, they continued on for the remainder of the half to post a further 12 points. It was a strong performance by Ourimbah and a deserved win. Best for Ourimbah were No.8 Jarrod Grange, halfback Josh Holman, and fellow locks Josefa Biu and Messa Collata. Kariong never gave up. With several players out, they pushed Ourimbah for long periods in the match. Their best players were flanker Lachlan Peruch, hooker Justin Walker and Adam Peruch, who was rewarded with their only try. The victory by Ourimbah leads into the big clash next week when the two undefeated teams in the competition, Ourimbah and Terrigal, meet in a blockbuster at Ourimbah.
 
In a cliff hanger at Slade Park, The Lakes snuck home right on fulltime to defeat Hornsby by 27 points to 26. This was an evenly fought clash from start to finish, with neither side able to get away on the scoreboard and neither side were able to take complete control at any stage. The first half saw Hornsby go to the halftime break with a narrow lead of 14 points to 12 so the result at that stage was still very much up for grabs. The second half was very topsy turvy. The Lakes got away to a handy lead of 24 points to 14 midway through the half and things seemed safe for them. But then Hornsby fought back and took the lead by 26 points to 24 with time running out. However right on fulltime a penalty goal to the home side saw The Lakes snatch the victory. Best players for The Lakes were lock James McCombie, centre Peni Raulini, and halfback Logan Hemopo. Hornsby almost got their first win of the season and the players most contributing towards that were hooker John King, Tim Graham-Robinson, and Leone Naisaorotaboa. It was an enthralling and exciting match throughout and both teams could have achieved this victory. However it was to be The Lakes and the win jumps them into fourth spot on the ladder. It all makes for an exciting next few weeks of matches.
 
Gosford continued their very good season with a pleasing victory over Warnervale by 32 points to 7 at Gosford Showground. Gosford were always in control in this match. They went to the halftime break leading by 15 points to 7 and maintained their grip on the match in the second half. In that second period they were able to score a further 17 points and at the same time were able to keep Warnervale scoreless. It was a strong and confident performance by the home team and one that maintained their spot in third position on the competition table. Gosford had several good players on the day but none were better than forward Alec Corcoran, centre Lenny van der Veld and Michael Jones. Warnervale were best served by Matt Martin, Kye Haslem, Richie Houston and Ben Butler.
 
Women’s 7’s rugby continued on with Terrigal confirming their Premiership favouritism with two very good wins over last season’s Premiers Avoca Beach. Other matches saw Hornsby and Ourimbah secure important victories.  

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
​RESULTS
SATURDAY, 18th MAY, 2019
ROUND 6
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Ourimbah                    48 (1)
Jarrod Grange 3, Kaituw Kausana 2, Josefa Biu, Mesa Collata, James Blanch tries;
Tyrone Davies 4 conversions
 
defeated
Warnervale                 12                   
Brennan Jaymz, Deahn Wanstall tries;
Cameron McNamara 1 conversion
 
 
Gosford                       22 (1)
Drew Neist 2, Adam Carlisle, Sam Underwood tries;
Adam Carlisle 1 conversion
 
defeated
Avoca Beach               17 (1)
Mitch Jacob, Jake McPhie, Tom Monteith tries;
Mitchell Jacob 1 conversion
 
 
Terrigal                       38 (1)
Sekope Maea 3, Jye Cornish, Dylon Calabria, Kevin McNamara tries;
Jye Cornish 3 conversions;
Sekope Maea 1 conversion
 
defeated
Woy Woy                   22                  
Fokolulu Taumalolo 2, Damon Boxsell tries;
Damon Boxsell 1 penalty goal, 2 conversions
 
                                                           
The Lakes                   24                   
Blake Dinham, Jerry Tikomailapomoi, Macui Raulini tries;
Logan Hemopo 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Kariong                       19 (1)
Josh Bottero, Cameron Phillips, Sean Peruch tries;                                                  
Lachlan Peruch 2 conversions
 
                                     
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah                    66 (1)  Warnervale       0
Avoca Beach                 3        Gosford             3         
The Lakes                   39 (1)  Kariong             5         
Terrigal                       43 (1)  Woy Woy       10                                 
                                                                                                                          
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah                    20 (1)  Warnervale       0
Avoca Beach               33 (1)  Gosford           17         
The Lakes                   17        Kariong             0         
Terrigal                       47 (1)  Woy Woy         5         
                                                                                      
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Kariong                       12        Terrigal           10 (1)             
Avoca Beach               48 (1)  Gosford             7
 
WOMEN (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       24 (1)  Woy Woy       10
Terrigal                       20 (1)  Woy Woy         0                   
The Lakes                     5        Kariong             5       
The Lakes                   17        Kariong           10 (1)      
Ourimbah                    24 (1)  Warnervale     21 (1)
Ourimbah                    27 (1)  Warnervale     14
 
 
REPORT :
 
Round 6 saw some enthralling rugby around the Central Coast on Saturday. The Match of the Day at Woongarrah Oval saw Ourimbah defeat Warnervale by 48 points to 12. Ourimbah got away to a good start and were always in control on the scoreboard. They took the lead from the start and early in the first half had jumped to a 15 points to 5 lead. Both teams were definitely playing well and taking the game to the opposition but it was Ourimbah ahead on the scoreboard. Ourimbah maintained the attack and lead and by halftime had increased their lead to 28 points to 12. Warnervale were however making them work hard and the home team had made their mark on the match by crossing for 2 tries in the first 40 minutes. But the second stanza was all Ourimbah and Warnervale just had no answer. Ourimbah were able to post a further 20 points in the final 40 minutes and the home team were unable to respond with any points. The result sees Ourimbah maintain their undefeated record and they are winning all their matches quite comfortably. Warnervale gave it their all. They will trouble all teams this year but this match was not just their day. Ourimbah had several star performers and these were headed by props Brett Cunningham and Jordan Clark, while flanker Jarrod Grange capped off a great match by crossing for three individual tries. Best for Warnervale were back Ben Butler, who continues to play great rugby for his team, Kye Haslem and Harry Sexton.
 
The Lakes secured a narrow victory at Kariong Oval when they defeated Kariong by 24 points to 19. There was absolutely nothing in this match from start to finish. In fact, the score was only 7-3 in Kariong’s favour at the halftime break and there was only 5 points separating the two teams at the fulltime whistle. The Lakes did get away early in the second half and had a handy lead. While Kariong tried to peg back the score late in the match it was The Lakes who held on for the narrow win. It was yet another very close result for The Lakes team but it was such an important one for them. Best players for The Lakes were Jason Kakato, Harry Pirini and Paul Wilson. However a feature of the match was the all round performance of the whole team. The win keeps The Lakes just in touch with Top Four with some important weeks coming up. Kariong also played well. They went so close but it was just not to be. Best for the home team were No. 8 Lachlan Peruch, prop Ricky Walker and flanker Josh Bottero, who crossed for another try this week. Like The Lakes, Kariong have some important matches coming up in the next few weeks and need to secure some key wins in these matches.
 
Another tightly fought fixture saw Gosford outlast Avoca Beach at Heazlett Park and ran out winners by 22 points to 17. This was an even struggle throughout. The first half was a very hard fought and tight match and a try on halftime to Avoca Beach levelled the scores at 12 points apiece. So at that stage both teams knew they could win and that the match was certainly very much up for grabs. Gosford scored 4 tries to 3 and that fact alone demonstrated the evenness of the clash. Perhaps Avoca Beach did not take all their chances with some dropped ball but it was Gosford who were able to hang on for victory. Best players for Gosford were inside centre Lenny Vander Velde, halfback Sam Underwood and Jackson Steinbeck. Avoca Beach were best served by halfback Julian Bacilgalupo and five-eight Mitch Jacob. These two teams remain in third and fourth positions on the competition ladder but are fully aware that, despite the gap, that there are teams threatening from behind. It all makes for some exciting clashes in the coming weeks.
 
In a very good game of rugby at Woy Woy Oval, Terrigal were able to outlast Woy Woy to the tune of 38 points to 22. It was a free flowing, yet tough game of rugby. It was Woy Woy’s best performance of the year despite their loss, but the undefeated Terrigal were able to stave them off. However for much of the first half, and well into the second half, it was Woy Woy who were doing most of the attacking, having received a steady flow of good ball. However some dropped passes at vital time did prove costly for the home side during this period. However, as the match went on, Terrigal steadily gained control and were able to take the lead in the second half and hang on for victory. Woy Woy did lead at the halftime break by 15 points to 12 and an upset did loom. A feature of the match were the three tries to Terrigal half back Sekope Maea, and his two successive tries midway through the second half were the difference between the two teams. Others to play well for Terrigal were prop Kevin McNamara, flanker Sam Kenny and winger Dan Sargeant. Woy Woy played well and will take a lot from this match. Their best players included five-eight Wade Hannell, fullback Fokolulu Taumalolo, who crossed for 2 tries, and halfback Damon Boxsell.
 
Women’s 7’s rugby saw Terrigal, The Lakes and Ourimbah secure vital wins. Terrigal were most impressive in their twin victories over Woy Woy and are shaping as possible Premiership candidates.
 

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
​RESULTS
SATURDAY, 11th MAY, 2019
ROUND 5
 
PREMIER 1
 
Terrigal                       45 (1)
Sekope Maea 2, Jim Storey, Nathan Simpson, Dylon Calabria, Dan Sargeant tries;
Jayden Woolley 6 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Gosford                         8                   
Drew Neist try;
Jed Palmer 1 penalty goal;
 
 
Avoca Beach               18                   
Blake Jacob, Tom Wood tries;
Mitchell Jacob 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
 
defeated
The Lakes                   17 (1)
Epi Vure, Brent Gilmore, Toga Maitaibatu tries;
Logan Hemopo 1 conversion
 
 
Warnervale                 48 (1)
Jacob Griffin 2, Matt Martin 2, Henry Fui, Atunisia Turagabeci, Brenna Jamyz, Dean Crofskey tries;
Cameron McNamara 4 conversions
 
defeated
Woy Woy                   10                  
Terry French, Zane Ririnui tries
                                                           
 
Kariong                       21                   
Scott Hanley, Josh Bottero, Salesi Manakafoa tries;                                                
Lachlan Peruch 3 conversions
 
defeated
Hornsby                      14 (1)
Leone Naisaorotaboa, Andrew Taylor tries;
Sam White 2 conversions
 
                                     
PREMIER 2
Terrigal                       38 (1)  Gosford             3
The Lakes                   24        Avoca Beach   15         
Warnervale                 17        Woy woy        14 (1)
Hornsby                      21        Kariong           17 (1)
                                                                                                                          
PRESIDENTS CUP
Terrigal                       20 (1)  Gosford             0
Avoca Beach               22 (1)  The Lakes       19 (1)
Woy Woy                   20 (1)  Warnervale       0       
Ourimbah                    28 (1)  The Entrance    5         
                                                                                      
COLTS
Terrigal                       45 (1)  Gosford           12       
Kariong                       21        Avoca Beach   15 (1)
 
WOMEN
Woy Woy                   37 (1)  Warnervale       5
Woy Woy                   10        Warnervale       0                               
Hornsby                      27 (1)  Kariong           22 (2)
Hornsby                      22 (1)  Kariong             7 
Avoca Beach               36 (1)  The Lakes       17       
Avoca Beach               24 (1)  The Lakes         5
 
 
REPORT :
 
The Central Coast Rugby Union competition is starting to heat up with some interesting results yesterday in Round 5.
The Match of the Day at The Haven Oval on Saturday saw Terrigal prove too strong for Gosford running out winners by 45 points to 8. The first 20 minutes in the match saw some excellent running rugby interspersed with some strong defence. Gosford were first to open the scoring when, after some sustained pressure, they crossed in the corner. This try to Drew Neist in the 8th minute took Gosford to an early 5 points to nil lead. However it was not too long before Terrigal levelled the scores and took the lead when their halfback Sekope Maea crossed for the first of his two tries in the match. The conversion of this try took the home side to the lead by 7 points to 5 in the 16th minute. Gosford soon regained the lead through a penalty goal in the 24th minute and this lead of 8 points to 7 was deserved at that stage. But it was from then on that Terrigal gradually gained the ascendancy through some very pleasing rugby. They crossed for two further converted tries before halftime to go to the break leading by 21 points to 8. They had very quickly turned the match around and taken control in the encounter. Terrigal kicked a penalty goal and scored a further try in the 15th minute of the second half to lead by 31 points to 8. Gosford had very little answer at this stage to the Terrigal attack. Two late tries saw Terrigal secure a handsome victory. Gosford had their chances to post points in that final 60 minutes but it was not to be. Terrigal were able to keep Gosford scoreless in the second half while they themselves were able to post 24 unanswered points. Best for Terrigal were their front row. Props Nathan Simpson and Kevin McNamara played exceedingly well while hooker Jim Storey had one of his beast games of the season. Others to play well were flankers Sam Kenny and Ethan McInnes, and fullback Jayden Woolley. Gosford had several very good performers, and these included flanker Sean Anzelark, who never stopped all day, centre Josh McGlynn, and five-eight Jed Palmer. Terrigal retain their undefeated record for this season, while Gosford will need to regroup after suffering their first loss of the season.
 
Avoca Beach came from behind to defeat The Lakes by 18 points to 17 at Slade Park. There was absolutely nothing in this match, and the first half saw the scoreline ending up Avoca Beach 6 The Lakes 5 at the halftime break. Both teams would rue their chances in the first half but both teams knew victory was in sight. The Lakes actually played some very good rugby early in the second half and were able to establish a quite handy lead of 17 points to 6 and appeared to be travelling well. But Avoca Beach were not to be denied and they came storming home to take the lead and claim the win. Best for Avoca Beach were halfback Julian Bacigalupo, Mitch Jacob and Blake Jacob. This was a very significant win for Avoca Beach and keeps them comfortably in fourth position on the competition table. The Lakes know they could have won this game but it was not to be.
 
Kariong won their second match on the trot when they accounted for Hornsby at Mark Taylor Oval by 21 points to 14. This match was a struggle throughout. Kariong went to the halftime break only leading by 7 points to nil so both teams knew they were definitely well and truly in this clash. The second half saw the match follow in much the same vein with neither team giving an ounce. Kariong scored 3 tries to 2 in the match and this fact alone showed the tightness and intensity of this match. Best players for Kariong were Justin Walker and Josh Bottero while Hornsby were best served by Angus McQueen and Sam White.
 
Warnervale had their best win of the season when they defeated Woy Woy by 48 points to 10 at Woongarrah Oval. Warnervale played their best rugby of the season and took control of this match almost from the very start. Warnervale went to the halftime break leading by 17 points to 5, and in the second half they continued on in much the same fashion. They were able to score a further 31 pointas to 5 in the final 40 minutes to record their first win of the season. Warnervale played well, and their best players were Jacob Griffin and Matt Martin, who both crossed for 2 tries apiece, Cameron McNamara and Atu Turagabeci. This win really does open up their season and should lead to bigger things in the future. It simply was not Woy Woy’s day. They tried their hard but just could not make any significant inroads. Best for Woy were Luke McIntyre, Wade Hannell, and Jack Dewar.
 
In the President’s Cup, Ourimbah defeated The Entrance by 28 points to 5 at Ourimbah Rugby Park. This was a very solid win by Ourimbah and maintains their position at the top of the competition ladder.
 
Women’s 7’s rugby saw Avoca Beach, Hornsby and Woy Woy secure very good victories in their respective matches on Saturday.
 

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
​RESULTS
SATURDAY, 4th MAY, 2019
ROUND 4
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Ourimbah                    39 (1)
Trent Harrison, Brett Cunningham, Jack Sheean, Craig Thomas, Josh Holman, Jarrod Grange tries;
Jarrod Grange 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Avoca Beach               15                   
Mitchell Jacob 5 penalty goals
 
 
Kariong                       38 (1)
Phil Brown 2, James Keene, Justin Walker, Jake Hubbard, Salesi Manakafoa tries;
Scott Hanley 1 conversion;
Lachlan Peruch 2 penalty goals
 
defeated
Warnervale                 25                   
Atunisia Turagabeci, Ben Butler, Jacob Griffin tries;
Cameron McNamara 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals
 
 
Gosford                       46 (1)
Pepani Nabuliwaqa 2, Michael Jones 2, Jed Palmer 2, Jordan Franklin, Adam Carlisle tries;
Damien Montgomery 3 conversions
 
defeated
Hornsby                      32 (1)
Leone Naisaorotaboa, Ivan Satu, Andrew Taylor, Nathan Webb tries;
Sam White 3 conversions, 2 penalty goals
 
 
The Lakes                   40 (1)
Macui Raulini 2, Blake Dinham, Eddie Vuniwawa, Peni Raulini, Jerry Tikolemaipanoni tries;
Logan Hemopo 5 conversions
 
defeated
Woy Woy                   31 (1)
Veipuleki Siale 3, Matt Graham, Jack Dewar tries;
Damon Boxsell 3 conversions
                                                           
 
                                     
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah                    38 (1)  Avoca Beach     7
Kariong                       48 (1)  Warnervale     14
The Lakes                   24 (1)  Woy Woy         7
Gosford                       24 (1)  Hornsby          20 (1) 
                                                                                                                          
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah                    35 (1)  Avoca Beach     7
Kariong                       20 (1)  Warnervale       0
The Lakes                   68 (1)  Woy Woy       17
Terrigal                       13        The Entrance    3
                                                                                      
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Kariong                       26 (1)  Terrigal           15                   
Avoca Beach               21        Gosford             0                      
 
WOMEN (bonus points in brackets)
Warnervale                 24 (1)  Kariong             7
Warnervale                 22 (1)  Kariong             0         
Woy Woy                   20 (1)  The Lakes       10
Woy Woy                   24 (1)  The Lakes       12       
Avoca Beach               39 (1)  Ourimbah        14                                           
Avoca Beach               21        Ourimbah          0
 
 
REPORT :
 
The Central Coast Rugby Union competition on Saturday saw some of the most entertaining games of the season. All were high scoring clashes and most were evenly fought until the latter stages of each match.
 
The Match of the Day saw Ourimbah defeat Avoca Beach by 38 points to 15 at Ourimbah Rugby Park, The first half was a quite even struggle and neither team took control of the proceedings. Ourimbah led by only 20 points to 15 at the halftime break so the result was still very much up for grabs at that early stage. However Ourimbah did lead and were able to continue on for the victory in the second half. Ourimbah did score a total of 6 tries in the match in what, in the end, proved a quite convincing win. Avoca Beach were unable to cross for a try but were held up over the line on numerous occasions. They were kept in the match by some excellent goal kicking by Mitch Jacob. Best for Avoca Beach were Mitch Jacob, Fion Henderson-Foley, Liam Donsworth and Matt Kiddle. A feature of the Avoca Beach performance were the large number of junior players who are continuing to make their appearance in the top grade. It augurs well for the future. Ourimbah continued on their winning ways and are definitely stamping their authority on this competition. They have won 4 matches on the trot and all have been quite convincing. They are scoring tries and their opposition teams are finding it most difficult to defend against their pattern of play. Their best players were half back Josh Holman, who scored a try, prop Jordan Clark, and Jarrod Grange who posted a personal tally of 14 points. Ourimbah cemented their position at the top of the ladder while Avoca Beach maintained fourth spot despite the loss.
 
The match at Budgewoi was probably the most entertaining and exciting clash of the season so far. The Lakes scored late to secure a 40 points to 31 victory over Woy Woy at Slade Park. In a match which was played with plenty of action, it was also hard fought and played in great spirit, the lead in this match changed 6 times throughout the 80 minutes. The scoring started early. The Lakes crossed for a well worked try in the opening 5 minutes and this 5 points to nil lead remained the status quo for the first 20 minutes. That first quarter of the match saw some free flowing rugby with both teams taking their respective attacks from one end of the field to the other. The Woy Woy set piece was strong and was a feature of the match, while The Lakes’ outside backs were always dangerous with the ball in hand. At the 21st minute Woy Woy scored their first try in the match with a great forwards try to flanker Veipuleki Siale. Siale was outstanding in this match. He was strong and always dangerous, and his efforts resulted in him crossing for 3 tries. Woy Woy, soon after, scored their second try, and at the 24th minute had taken the lead in the clash by 12 points to 5. From this point on it was a try fest. The two teams basically went try for try for the remainder of the match. In the remaining 15 minutes of the half The Lakes were able to cross for 2 converted tries to Woy Woy’s single try. At the halftime break The Lakes had jumped to a narrow lead of 19 points to 17. There were some wonderful efforts in this match by numerous players. Woy Woy five-eight Wade Hannell was outstanding and had a great game directing his backline. He was very well supported by flanker Veipuleki Siale, half back Damon Boxsell, centre (and lineout jumper) Kane Burns, prop Luke Ingold and lock Jack Dewar. Best for The Lakes were fullback Macui Raulini, No.8 Peni Raulini, Blake Dinham and Eddie Vuniwawa. Woy Woy regained the lead again very early in the second half with a great try, but soon after it was The Lakes’ turn to take the lead. It was like this for the next 40 minutes. The first two tries, one each from either team, were posted in the first 6 minutes of the start of the second half. With under 15 minutes to go Woy Woy led by 31 points to 26 but even at that stage the crowd knew that the result was far from settled. The Lakes scored with time running out to lead 33 points to 31 and this score line remained the score until right on fulltime when the home team crossed for their final try to confirm the win. This was a great game of rugby played by two committed teams and in actual fact neither team deserved to lose. However it was The Lakes that got the victory and their first win of the season.
 
Kariong also posted their first win of the season when they defeated Warnervale at Kariong Oval by 38 points to 15. This clash was much closer than these scores indicate. The scores were locked at 15 points apiece at the half time break, so like most matches on the day, both teams knew they had realistic chance of gaining the victory in the second half. However it was Kariong who outlasted Warnervale and were able to outscore the visitors by 23 points to 10 in the second stanza. In fact it was only during the final 20 minutes that Kariong were able to secure the win when they crossed for several late tries. It was a pleasing win for the home side, being their first, and keeps them in touch with the leading teams. Warnervale played well. They gave it their all and for 65 minutes in the match they were very much in it. Best players for Warnervale were Brenton Acreman, Richie Houston and Cameron McNamara. Jacob Griffin and Ben Butler also put in good performances, and both were rewarded with a try each. Both these teams will push all other teams this year. Best for the home side were Jackson Beresford, Phil Brown, who scored 2 tries, Sone Taito and Salesi Manakafoa. Kariong, as stated above, were pleased with their effort and their first win, while Warnervale put last week’s disappointing result aside with a very good performance yesterday.
 
Gosford won their fourth match in a row when they accounted for Hornsby at Mark Taylor Oval by 46 points to 32. It was a high scoring match, and like the match above, it was not until the final 20 minutes that the result was finally determined. Gosford did score 8 tries to 4 and that may have been an indication of the flow of the match but both teams knew they were very much in the match until late in the clash. Gosford led at halftime by 17 points to 13 after a hard fought first half but were able to go on to outscore Hornsby by 29 points to 19 in the second half. Best for Gosford were Michael Jones, Adam Carlisle, while flanker Lepani Nabuliwaqa continued his great form for the club. Hornsby were best served by Sam White, Nathan Webb and Andrew Taylor. Hornsby would have been pleased to be home and their form has continued to get stronger and stronger as the season has progressed. Gosford, with the win, jump into second spot on the ladder, and their big clash with Terrigal next Saturday will be a highlight of the season so far.
 
In the President’s Cup, Terrigal played pleasing rugby to defeat The Entrance by 13 points to 3 at Joseph Banks Oval. There was nothing in this clash from start to finish. Terrigal led by 10 points to 3 at the halftime break and were only able to post a further single penalty goal in the second half to secure the win.
 
Women’s 7’s rugby saw last year’s Grand Finalists, Avoca Beach and Woy Woy, secure very good wins yesterday, while Warnervale turned their season around with good efforts against Kariong.