CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNIONRESULTS
MINOR SEMIFINAL
WOY WOY OVAL
SATURDAY, 25th AUGUST, 2018
 
PREMIER 1
 
Woy Woy                   21                   
Alifeleti Atiola 2, Fokolulu Taumololo tries;
Alex Moore 3 conversions
 
defeated
Kariong                       18                   
Brent Bovis, Henry Ahovelo tries;
Scott Hanley 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
 
 
PREMIER 2
 
Terrigal                       22                   
Blake Cavanagh, Mackenzie Stevens tries; Penalty Try 1;
Conor Lowndes 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Ourimbah                      5                   
 
Rob Peden try            
                                               
 
PRESIDENT’S CUP
 
The Entrance              13                   
Tavita Vaoga try;
Andrew Danckert 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
 
defeated
Terrigal                       11                   
James Pettit try;
Chris Brown 2 penalty goals
 
                                                                                                           
UNDER 19’s
 
Warnervale                 33                   
Jack Gray 2, Lachlan Natapu, Royce Smith, Tom Kaati tries;
Matthew Martin 4 conversions
 
defeated
Terrigal                       22                   
Nick Armstrong 2, Tom Kennedy tries;
Colin Sneyd 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
 
WOMEN’S 7’s
 
Avoca Beach               36                   
Taylah Welsh 2, Elana Withnall 2, Summer Witt, Renee Staben tries;
Inge Visser 3 conversions
 
defeated
Warnervale                   5                   
April Radford try
 
                       
REPORT :
 
In the Premier 1 Minor Semi-final at Woy Woy Oval, Woy Woy scored on fulltime to defeat Kariong by 21 points to 18. In a nail biting game both teams had periods of ascendancy but the result was not decided until the last few seconds of the match. Woy Woy have won their three clashes this year but all by the narrowest of margins. Kariong got away to a good start with a penalty goal in the opening 5 minutes of the match. The early stages of the match saw a seesawing match with both teams having periods of attack and defence. It was not long after that Woy Woy took the lead when their No.8 Alifeleti Atiola crashed over for the first of his two tries. The conversion of this try took Woy Woy to the lead by 7 points to 3 after only 10 minutes. The Woy Woy scrum was proving strong and definitely were putting the Kariong pack under constant pressure. The first 25 minutes was developing into a dour battle with neither team giving an inch. It was during this period that Kariong kicked a second penalty goal to reduce the Woy Woy lead to 7 points to 6 after 25 minutes. Kariong were probably having the better of play at this stage. Their backs were making inroads through the middle of the field, and five-eight Mitch Clay and winger Henry Ahovelo made some excellent individual runs. This dominance was rewarded in the 33rd minute when centre Brent Bovis crossed for a very good team try. The conversion of this try took Kariong to the lead by 13 points to 7. This was to remain the score at halftime so at that stage the match was very much up for grabs. Best players for Kariong at this stage were five-eight Mitch Clay, who was outstanding all match, lock Robert Brown, winger Henry Ahovelo and No.8 Blake Silvester. Kariong went further ahead only after a minute of the start of the second half. A break by Robert Brown saw winger Henry Ahovelo make a 50 metre run down the sideline to score a very exciting try. Kariong had jumped to a handy 18 points to 7 lead after only a minute of the second half. However they were not to score again in the match despite some good attacking play. Much of the second half was a real arm wrestle. Woy Woy were gradually gaining a certain ascendancy in general play and did control much of the territory and possession in the final 20 minutes of the much. They attacked constantly, trying to get back into the match but some stoic defence by Kariong kept them at bay. Woy Woy finally broke through when their No. 8 Alifeleti Atiola crossed for his second try adjacent to the posts in the 31st minute. The conversion of this try had reduced the Kariong lead to 18 points to 14. It certainly made the final 10 minutes a most intense and torrid affair. Woy Woy continued to attack but could not break through until very late in the match. Best players for Woy Woy during this period were No.8 Alifeleti Atiola, inside centre Fokolulu Taumololo, fullback Alex Moore and halfback Mitch Hyde. It was in the final seconds that Fokolulu Taumololo was able to cross for the match winning try. These two teams, over the 80 minutes, were so evenly matched and both teams deserved to come out victors. But it was Woy Woy who once again were able to get those final few points to snatch victory. It has been a great season for both teams, but it is Woy Woy who move on to the Preliminary Final in 2 weeks time.
 
Terrigal were able to outlast Ourimbah in Premier 2 when they won the Minor Semi-final by 22 points to 5. It was a dour battle throughout with both teams content to make it a mainly forward struggle. Terrigal had the better of the match both territorially and possession wise but the match seemed to be a series of rucks and mauls. However it was Terrigal who were able to wear the Ourimbah side down over the 70 minutes. Terrigal deserved the win. Both players for Terrigal were fullback Conor Lowndes, lock Phil Heard, while forwards Blake Cavanagh and Mackenzie Stevens were both rewarded with a try each. Best for Ourimbah were flanker Jack Sheean, No.8 Chris Smith and centre Iliese Cama. Terrigal only led by 7 points to nil at the halftime break but were able to cross for 2 tries in the second stanza to seal the win.
 
The Entrance were able to win the President’s Cup Minor Semifinal defeating Terrigal by 13 points to 11. There was absolutely nothing in this match from start to finish. The scores were locked at 6 points apiece at halftime so both teams knew a victory was on the cards. Both teams were able to score a try in the second half but it was the conversion of their try that saw The Entrance secure the win. Best players for The Entrance were fullback Andrew Dankert, who kicked that vital conversion, flanker Joel Laws and prop Drew Sutton. Terrigal played well but just fell at the last hurdle.
 
In what proved an intense game of rugby Warnervale defeated Terrigal in the Under 19 Minor Semifinal by 33 points to 22. Warnervale got away to a great start and it was not long before they had jumped to a 14 points to nil lead. They went to the halftime break leading by 19 points to 7 so everything seemed to be under control for Warnervale. However great play by the Terrigal team saw them catch up and take the lead midway through second half. Terrigal led by 22 points to 19 but two converted tries in the final 10 minutes saw Warnervale retake the lead and get the victory. It was an exciting game of rugby but it is Warnervale who continue on to the Preliminary Final.
 
The inaugural Finals match in Women’s 7’s rugby saw Avoca Beach prove too strong for Warnervale and ran out winners by 36 points to 5. Avoca Beach scored 6 tries to 1 and were always in control. Best players for Avoca Beach were Elana Withnall, Summer Witt and Inge Visser. Warnervale never stopped trying and were rewarded with a try near fulltime.
 
Major  Semifinal next week …………………
 
Woy Woy Oval               1st September   
         
10.00 am         Under 19’s                  Woy Woy       v.         Avoca Beach  
 
11.25 am         Women’s 7’s              Woy Woy       v.         Terrigal                
 
11.50 am         President’s Cup           Ourimbah        v.         The Lakes        
 
  1.20 pm         Premier 2                    Gosford           v.         The Lakes        
 
  3.00 pm         Premier 1                    Ourimbah         v.        Terrigal          
 
        
 
 
SPONSORS OF CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
Star 104.5
Wyong Rugby League Club Group
Alinta Sportswear
Central Coast Express Advocate
NBN
 
 

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNIONRESULTS
SATURDAY, 18th AUGUST, 2018
ROUND 18
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Terrigal                       39 (1)
Sekope Maea, Mike Ozdilli, Frankie Webber, Dan Sargeant, Mark Koteczky, Vaughan Kernan tries;
Mark Koteczky 3 conversions;
Conor Lowndes 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Woy Woy                     7                   
Wade Hannell try
Mitch Hyde 1 conversion
 
 
The Lakes                   26 (1)
Macai Raulini, Peni Raulini, Pio Seru, Jerry Tikomailepanoni tries;
Peni Raulini 3 conversions
 
defeated
Avoca Beach               19 (1)
Luke Sheridan 2, Dylan Cadogan tries;
Dylan Cadogan 1 conversion;
Will Byrne 1 conversion
 
 
Kariong                       43 (1)
Blake Silvester 2, Mitch Clay 2, Scott Hanley, Noah Cama, Ricky Walter tries;
Scott Hanley 3 conversions;
Rob Brown 1 conversion
 
defeated
Gosford                       15                   
Ryan Conaghan, Drew Neist, Michael Jones tries
 
 
Ourimbah                    43 (1)
Jayden Pearson 3, Matt King, Rob Peden, Tyler Jones, Josefa Biu tries;
Jarrod Grange 4 conversions
 
defeated                                                                                             
Warnervale                 22 (1)
Joey Walton 2, Tom Kaati 2 tries;
Joey Walton 1 conversion
 
 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       50 (1)  Woy Woy       17                   
Avoca Beach                 8        The Lakes         7 (1)
Gosford                       36 (1)  Kariong             0
Ourimbah                    22 (1)  Warnervale       5                                                       
                                                                                                              
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                       33 (1)  Woy Woy         5                   
The Lakes                   15        Avoca Beach   12 (1)
                          
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy                   14        Terrigal             7 (1)
Warnervale                 34 (1)  Ourimbah        33 (2)
 
WOMEN (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy                   33 (1)  Terrigal             7
Woy Woy                   28 (1)  Terrigal             0
Warnervale                 22 (1)  Ourimbah          0
Warnervale                 20 (1)  Ourimbah          0
 
 
REPORT :
 
The Central Coast Rugby Union season proper ended on Saturday with some very good rugby on display. In what has proved a wonderful season of local rugby on the Coast, the results have seen the Final Four finally settled in the very last round. Some teams now head to the Finals Series, while other teams start preparing for next year.
 
In the Match of the Day Terrigal defeated Woy Woy by 39 points to 7 at Woy Woy Oval. It was mostly one way traffic in this match with Terrigal getting an excellent start and then continuing in the same mode. Terrigal went to the halftime break leading by 26 points to nil so even at that stage they looked the definite victors. They were playing very effective rugby and were taking all their opportunities. Best players for Terrigal were No.8 Mike Ozdilli, lock Alex Brewin, while backs Dan Sargeant, Mark Koteczky and Sekope Maea all made continual inroads into the opposition. The second half was a far more even struggle with both teams having chances of increasing their score. Woy Woy did respond with a try but it was all too late. Their best players for Woy Woy were centre Wade Hannell, who scored their lone try, Mitch Hyde and Alifeleti Atiola. A serious injury to a Woy Woy player midway through the second half did affect both teams. The Terrigal win sees them cement second spot on the competition table. They will have a week break next Saturday before they meet Ourimbah in the Major Semi-final. Woy Woy would be most disappointed with their performance but they do make the Finals. They will clash with Kariong next Saturday at Woy Woy Oval in the Minor Semi-final. They will be working hard at training this week.
 
The Lakes ended their season with a win over Avoca Beach at Heazlett Park, running out winners by 26 points to 19. Both teams went into the match with an outside chance of reaching the Finals but the win by Kariong put all those hopes to bed. Despite this it was an exciting match from start to finish. Both teams played entertaining rugby with some exciting tries on display. The Lakes scored 4 tries to 3 and that was probably a clear indication of the tightness of this match. Avoca Beach went to the halftime break leading by 12 points to 5. At that stage the match was very much up for grabs. Best players for the home team were veteran prop Luke Sheridan, who crossed fore 2 tries, five eight Reece Jacob, and Dylan Cadogan. Cadogan has had a wonderful season and certainly has made an impact at Avoca Beach. The Lakes outscored Avoca Beach by 21 points to 7 in the second half and played some very good rugby. The Lakes played well and their best performers were fullback Macai Raulini, Peni Raulini, and Pio Seru. The Lakes have had a great season and just missed out on the Finals. They will look back with regret at that slump at the midway point of the season where they lost several matches in a row. All looks good for them for 2019. The same goes for Avoca Beach who have brought into the top grade some outstanding young players.
 
Kariong played excellent rugby in the second half to defeat Gosford at Gosford Showground by 43 points to 15. There certainly would have been some distinct worries at halftime in this match as the scores were locked at 15 points apiece. There was tremendous interest in this result especially as The Lakes took the lead at Heazlett Park. However a very good effort in the second stanza saw Kariong confirm their Finals position when they were able to outscore Gosford by 28 points to 0. Gosford had no answer to this onslaught. As stated above, the first half was an even struggle. Gosford played well and crossed for 3 tries. But it was all Kariong in the second half. Best players for Kariong were Mitch Clay and Blake Silvester, who both scored 2 tries, Ricky Walker and Scott Hanley. Kariong move into the Finals Series and next Saturday will take on Woy Woy in the Minor Semi-final.
 
Ourimbah continued their winning way when they defeated Warnervale at Woongarrah Oval by 43 pints to 22. They certainly did not however have it all their own way in the early stages of the match. In fact Warnervale played so well in the first half and they went to the halftime break leading by 15 points to 12. It seemed an upset was on the cards. However Ourimbah hit their straps in the second half and were able to post a further 28 points on the scoreboard. Best players for Ourimbah were winger Jayden Pearson, who crossed for 3 tries, and locks Tyler Jones and Josefa Biu. Warnervale were best served by NSW Country forward Kevin McNamara, five-eight Joey Walton and winger Tom Kaati. The final 40 minutes demonstrated why Ourimbah are the Minor Premiers this year and they go into the Finals Series as Premiership favourites. They were clear Minor Premiers by a large 16 points over the second placed Terrigal. However it all starts again during the Finals. Warnervale would be pleased with their final performance but would have some regrets about what could have happened this season. They were always close to the Finals and would rue some results during the season. 
 
The Women’s 7’s competition yesterday saw Warnervale and Woy Woy secure vital wins in their respective matches. The Final Four will be made up by Woy Woy, Terrigal, Avoca Beach and Warnervale. This competition will be bigger next year.

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNIONRESULTS
SATURDAY, 11th AUGUST, 2018
ROUND 17
 
PREMIER 1
 
Woy Woy                    30 (1)
Fokolulu Taumalolo 2, Blake Arahill, Alifeleti Atiola tries;
Alex Moore 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal;
Wade Hannell 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Kariong                       28 (2)
Mitch Clay 2, Blake Silvester, Josh Bottero tries;
Scott Hanley 4 conversions
 
 
Terrigal                        28                   
Jim Storey, Mike Ozdilli, Dyon Williams tries;
Conor Lowndes 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals
 
defeated                                             
Warnervale                  17                   
Kenani Fale, Atunaisha Turagaveci tries;
Joey Walton 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
                                               
The Lakes                    36 (1)
Macai Raulini 2, Matt Lanzini, Ben Kaifa, Eddie Vuniwawa tries;
Fillimona Seru 1 penalty goal, 4 conversions
 
defeated
Hornsby                      27 (1)
Toby Foord 2, Chris Tiatia, Ben Toga, Lachlan Skulander tries;
Mitch Fullager 1 conversion
 
 
Avoca Beach               42 (1)
Matt Anderson 2, Adam Chettle, Reece Jacobs, Kye Blair, Elliott Dawkins tries;
Dylan Cadogan 6 conversions
 
defeated                                             
Gosford                       10                   
Josh Reid, Brendon Montgomery tries
 
 
 
PREMIER 2
Woy Woy                    40 (1)   Kariong             0
Terrigal                        45 (1)   Warnervale        7
The Lakes                    60 (1)   Hornsby          19         
Gosford                       40 (1)   Avoca Beach     7                                                       
                                                                                                              
PRESIDENTS CUP
Ourimbah                    26 (1)   The Entrance   14         
Avoca Beach               20 (1)   Gosford             0         
                          
COLTS
Terrigal                        35 (1)   Warnervale      10       
Avoca Beach               33 (1)   Woy Woy        19
 
WOMEN
Woy Woy                    20 (1)   Ourimbah          0
Woy Woy                    20 (1)   Ourimbah          0
Terrigal                        24 (1)   Warnervale      14
Terrigal                        24 (1)   Warnervale      10
Avoca Beach               21        Hornsby            5
Avoca Beach               22 (1)   Hornsby            0
 
 
REPORT :
 
The Central Coast Rugby Union continued yesterday with some exciting results but the Final Four will not be decided until the very last round next Saturday.
 
The Match of the Day saw Woy Woy score on fulltime to defeat Kariong by 30 points to 28 at Kariong Oval. This match went point for point for the entire 80 minutes. Both teams had opportunities to win this match but the final result was not determined until Woy Woy crashed over for a try in the final minute. This try levelled the score at 28 points apiece. The conversion of this try secured the match for Woy Woy. Kariong had the slightly better of the first half and they went to the halftime break leading by 21 points to 13. However both teams knew they had a very realistic chance of victory. Woy Woy’s best players were centre Wade Hannell who was always dangerous with the ball in hand. Others to play well for the visitors were Corey Fleming and Alifeleti Atiola. Woy Woy reduced the gap during the early stages of the second half and by late in the half had squared the scores. Kariong’s best players were back Mitch Clay, who scored 2 tries, Henry Ahovelo and Josh Bottero. The win puts Woy Woy on equal points with Terrigal and their clash next week will decide the Major Semi-finalist. Kariong, despite the loss, remain in the Top Four but will need to win next week to stay there. It all makes for a very interesting last round of rugby in Central Coast Rugby Union next Saturday.
 
Terrigal secured a hard fought win over Warnervale at The Haven Oval and ran out winners by 28 points to 17. Terrigal were the better team on the day and deserved the win. However they did only score 3 tries to 2 in the match and they did not have things totally their own way. Terrigal scored a converted try right on halftime to take the lead by 15 points to 10. The first half was an even struggle with no quarter asked for or given. Best players for Terrigal were lock Alex Brewin, No.8 Mike Ozdilli and hooker Jim Storey. Warnervale were in this match for much of the 80 minutes. They were best served by back Joey Walton, forward Kevin McNamara and fullback Atunaisha Turagaveci. The win sees Terrigal hang on to second spot but their clash with Woy Woy next Saturday will determine the Major Semi-finalist for this year.
 
The Lakes defeated Hornsby at Mark Taylor Oval by 36 points to 27. In an exciting and high scoring match The Lakes did enough on the scoreboard to get the win they needed. There were 5 tries scored by each team but the goal kicking of The Lakes proved the difference. The Lakes were always just in front on the scoreboard throughout the match but Hornsby simply would not let them get away. The Lakes led by 24 points to 15 at the halftime break but knew Hornsby would keep coming at them. Hornsby would be disappointed with the loss in their final match of the season but showed once again they do know how to score tries. Hornsby have had a good season and have troubled all teams. They will definitely build on this going into 2019. The Lakes, with the victory, will need to win next week and have other results go their way but they can still make the Finals.
 
Avoca Beach were far too strong for Gosford and secured an easy 42 points to 10 win at Heazlett Park. Avoca Beach were always in control right from the opening whistle. The home side went to the halftime break leading by 28 points to nil and all but had the match secured even at that stage. Best players for Avoca Beach were five-eight Reece Jacobs, halfback Kye Blair, and fullback Dylan Cadogan. Matt Anderson also made his mark by scoring two very good tries. Gosford were best served by Vince Stewart, Sean Anzelark, and Sam Underwood. Avoca Beach have an outside chance of the Top Four but things will have to really go their way to make the Finals. Gosford have the wooden spoon for 2019.
 
Ourimbah defeated The Entrance at Ourimbah Rugby Park by 26 points to 14 in President’s Cup. It was a hard fought struggle throughout.  
 
The Women’s 7’s competition yesterday saw Avoca Beach, Terrigal, and Woy Woy secure vital wins in their respective matches.
 
 

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
RESULTS
SATURDAY, 4th AUGUST, 2018
ROUND 16
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Ourimbah                    20                   
Jayden Pearson try;
Jarrod Grange 5 penalty goals
 
defeated
Terrigal                        11                   
Salipopo Pamata try;
Mark Koteczky 2 penalty goals
 
                                               
Kariong                       29 (1)
Blake Silvester, Mitch Clay, Soni Taito, Henry Ahovelo tries;
Scott Hanley 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
The Lakes                   23 (2)
Harry Pirini, Peni Raulini, Eddie Vuniwawa, Macai Raulini tries;
Logan Hemopo 1 penalty goal
 
 
Woy Woy                    36 (1)
Blake Arahill 2, Nat Watts 2, Alifeleti Atiola, Fokolulu Taumalolo tries;
Alex Moore 1 conversion;
Dante Otto 1 conversion;
Wade Hannell 1 conversion
 
defeated
Hornsby                      31 (2)
Toby Forde, Jack Vandersteen, John King, Ollie Jenkins, Mitch Fullager tries;
Sam White 3 conversions
 
 
Avoca Beach               27                   
Jobe Graham, Dylan Cadogan, Matt Anderson tries;
Dylan Cadogan 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal, 1 field goal
 
defeated                                             
Warnervale                  24 (2)
Tom Kaati 2, Faavae Neli, Joey Walton tries;
Joey Walton 2 conversions
 
 
PREMIER 2 (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                        13        Ourimbah        10 (1)
The Lakes                   64 (1)   Kariong             0
Woy Woy                    34 (1)  Hornsby            7
Avoca Beach               29 (1)   Warnervale      21
           
                                                                                                  
PRESIDENTS CUP (bonus points in brackets)
Ourimbah                    31 (1)   Terrigal              0
The Entrance               25 (1)   Gosford           10         
           
             
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Terrigal                        38 (1)   Ourimbah          7
Avoca Beach               24        Warnervale      22 (2)
 
 
WOMEN (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy                    31 (1)   Hornsby            0
Woy Woy                    34 (1)   Hornsby            0
Terrigal                        24 (1)   Ourimbah         5
Terrigal                        32 (1)   Ourimbah          5
Avoca Beach               17        Warnervale        7
Warnervale                  14        Avoca Beach   12 (1)
 
 
REPORT :
 
The Central Coast Rugby Union competition has entered the exciting time heading into this year’s Finals.
 
The results yesterday showed the closeness of this year’s Premier 1 competition when each of the four matches was decided in the final minute of each game.
 
The Match of the Day at The Haven Oval between Ourimbah and Terrigal saw an intense struggle from start to finish. Ourimbah outlasted the home side to win the match by 20 points to 11. There was nothing in the match throughout. Both teams only scored the single try apiece. Ourimbah had slightly better of the first half. They led at the halftime break by 9 points to 3 but pointscoring during that period was limited to penalty goals. Neither team was able to cross for a five pointer. Terrigal did score their sole try early in the second half and thus had reduced the lead to 11 points to 8. So obviously the match was very much up for grabs at that stage. Ourimbah was able to kick a further 2 penalty goals to one in the remainder of the second stanza and nearing fulltime led by 15 points to 11. Both teams pushed themselves to the limit to make the final breakthrough. Both teams had their chances to do so but it was not until right on the fulltime whistle that Ourimbah was able to cross for the winning try by back Jayden Pearson. It was not until that moment that the result was settled. Best players for Ourimbah were prop Will Fraser and Craig Thomas, while Jarrod Grange was a vital cog in their victory. Besides the good play by Jarrod Grange, he was able to kick 5 penalty goals for the visitors. The match was an even affair across the board although the Ourimbah scrum proved the stronger at important periods of the match. Terrigal had their chances especially later in the match but it was not to be. Best players for the home side were five-eight Mark Koteczky, flanker Salipopo Pamata and forward Alex Brewin. Both teams will take a lot out of this match. Both teams know they could have won it. However the win sees Ourimbah securing the Minor Premiership, while Terrigal will have to fight to maintain their second spot on the ladder over the next 2 weeks.
 
In a most entertaining match at Slade Park, Kariong scored at fulltime to snatch victory over The Lakes by 29 points to 23. It was such a disappointing result for The Lakes who played some exceptional rugby for much of the match. It was such an expansive game of rugby with both teams, especially The Lakes, keen to throw the ball around and they were able to run the ball from all corners of the field. The match saw some wonderful tries scored. The Lakes crossed for 2 tries in the first half to Kariong’s one, and the home side went to the halftime break leading by 10 points to 7. The second half was a see-sawing battle for the entire 40 minutes. During the second half the lead changed 5 times, and the final change came right on fulltime when Kariong score a converted try in the corner. There were many anxious people on both sides of the ground in those final minutes of the match. Kariong were best served by No.8 Blake Silvester, five-eight Mitch Clay and outside back Henry Ahovelo. It was a good team performance by the Kariong squad. The Lakes were just as good if not better than Kariong but the win escaped them by the barest of margins on the day. Best for The Lakes were backs Macui Raulini, Peni Raulini, and Eddie Vuniwawa. The win sees Kariong establishing a 6 points lead over The Lakes on the competition table so things will have to go the way of The Lakes over the last two rounds for them to make the Finals. It was a vital win for Kariong as it allowed them breathing space with the end of the season nearby.
 
Avoca Beach also scored on fulltime to defeat Warnervale by 27 points to 24 at Woongarrah Oval. Avoca Beach had the better of the first half and by halftime they had established a quite handy 20 points to 14 lead over the home side. They probably deserved that lead at that time. Five-eight Dylan Cadogan was excellent for Avoca Beach and his directional play was putting the visitors on the go forward. He was well supported by another excellent performance from Emile Thomas and young halfback Kye Blair. However the pointscoring ceased for Avoca Beach for much of the second half. Warnervale came storming back into the match and were able to take the lead by 24 points to 20 late in the match. It seemed they had overcome their first half and had come back for a great win. However Avoca Beach centre Matt Anderson crashed over at fulltime to snatch the victory. Warnervale had let the match slip at the final hurdle. Best players for Warnervale were forward Kevin McNamara, Tom Kaati, who scored 2 tries, and five-eight Joey Walton who tallied a personal 9 points.
 
Woy Woy escaped with a victory when they scored on fulltime to defeat Hornsby by 36 points to 31 at Woy Woy Oval. With the scores locked at 31 points apiece with time quickly running out, it seemed Woy Woy was destined for their second draw two weeks running. However they were able to break through in the final stages to break the deadlock. Hornsby would have been heartbroken. Hornsby went to the halftime break leading by 14 points to 12 and both teams knew at that stage, the match was far from over. It was an exciting game of rugby with plenty of tries on display – in fact 11 in total. Woy Woy quickly took the lead early in the second half with a try and led by 17 points to 14. However Hornsby was not to be denied. They crossed for several tries midway through the second half and actually led by 21 points to 14. This lead was extended to 31 points to 24 but the home side was able to score two late tries to secure the win. Both teams displayed great skill during the 80 minutes. It was nerve wracking win for Woy Woy but it secures their Final Four position for this season, while Hornsby yet again showed they have the talent to push and defeat any team in the competition. Best players for Woy Woy were five-eight Dante Otto, flanker Blake Arahill, and centre Wade Hannell. The Woy Woy backline can certainly score tries. Hornsby had several very good players but none were better than flanker John King, five-eight Sam White, and Ollie Jenkins.
 
The Entrance defeated Gosford by 25 points to 10 in President’s Cup at Joseph Banks Oval.  
 
The Women’s 7’s competition yesterday saw Avoca Beach, Warnervale Terrigal, and Woy Woy secure vital wins in their respective matches.