CENTRAL COAST COMPETE AT THE
NSW COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS IN PORT MACQUARIE
 
Central Coast had a mixed weekend in Port Macquarie at the NSW Country Championships. The Senior XV, Colts XV and Women’s 7’s teams competed over the two days of the Championships.
 
The 1st XV lost both their two matches on Day 1 but put in very concerted effort on both days. They had a very good win on Sunday. The Colts team took out the Tier 1 Colts Final with a fantastic win over rivals Hunter in a close one by 14 points to 8. The Women won 2 and lost 2 but finished the Championships very strongly, and finished fifth.
 
The highlight of the weekend was the great win by the Colts team who took out the Tier 1 Rowlands Colts Cup for the first time in many years. This team has been in this final many times in recent years and has been unable to secure the win. But the Colts finally got through for the wonderful victory. Central Coast started the match very well and led by 11 points to nil very early on after a try to Lachlan Peruch and 2 goals to Isaac Barnes. This scoreline after only 14 minutes was the best possible start. However the remainder of the match was a very dour battle. With both teams having chances to place final points on the board, it was Hunter who responded with a try prior to the break to reduce the lead to 11-5 at halftime. Hunter kicked a penalty goal early in second half so with the score at 11-8 the match was certainly up for grabs. Play went from one end of the field to the other, but no points were posted. At one stage Central Coast had 2 players in the sin bin, but still they hung on with some very gritty defence. A penalty goal to the Coast close to fulltime gave them breathing space with the score 14-8 but they still had to show some very dogged defence late in the match to hang on for victory.
It was a great achievement by this team and the win places them at the top of NSW Country Colts rugby.
 
On the Saturday the Central Coast Colts had to play exceptional rugby to get to the Final when they defeated Central West by 13 points to 5. This match was by no means one way traffic and with the scores locked at nil all at halftime it was still anyone’s match. However a very good second half saw the Central Coast team home and into the Final.
 
Central Coast Seniors had a disappointing day on the Saturday. They had a tough day with two very hard fought clashes. The were defeated by Far North Coast by 50 to 41, and then lost to Mid North Coast by 23 points to 12. In both games the team had their chances but things just did not go their way. They were close but just not quite there. They fought back well on the Sunday with a very good win over New England by 59 points to 21, but because of the results on the first day there were not going to appear in the overall winners circle.
 
The Women 7’s had 2 losses early on but fought very well to record two very pleasing wins in the final matches.
 
RESULTS ………………….
SENIORS
 
Central Coast              41        Far North Coast          50
Central Coast              12        Mid North Coast         23
Central Coast              59        New England              21
 
COLTS
 
Central Coast              13        Central West                 5
Central Coast              14        Hunter Newcastle         8
 
WOMEN 7’s
 
Central Coast                5        Hunter                         29
Central Coast              12        Central North              17
Central Coast              15        New England              12
Central Coast              29        Far North Coast            5

​CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNIONRESULTS
SATURDAY, 22nd APRIL, 2017
ROUND 3
 
PREMIER 1 (bonus points in brackets)
 
Warnervale                 20       
Brenton Acreman, Atunailse Turagebeci tries;
Cameron McNamara 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals
 
defeated
Kariong                         7                   
Yulari Smith-Symes try;
Scott Hanley 1 conversion
 
 
Ourimbah                    41 (1)
Josefa Biu 4, Oliver Dark, Rob Richardson tries;
Rob Richardson 4 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Gosford                         7                   
Sam Underwood try;
Hugo Pike 1 conversion
 
 
Avoca Beach              64 (1)             
Pat Wheatley 3, Elliott Dawkins 2, Luke Sheridan 2, Brad Sheridan, Mitch Jacob, Nathan Brown tries;
Nathan Brown 6 conversions;
Blake Jacob 1 conversion
 
defeated         
Hornsby                        0                   
 
 
Terrigal                       75 (1) 
Adam Dankert 2, Dylan Calabria 2, Liam Caulfield, Ethan McInnes, Dan Sargeant, Frankie Webber, Josh Cotter, Rob Seltzer, Penalty Try;
Adam Danckert 9 conversions
 
defeated                     
The Lakes                     8                   
Maciu Rauluni try;
Iliesa Cama 1penalty goal
                                               
PREMIER 2  (bonus points in brackets)
Warnervale                 24 (1)  Kariong           17 (1)             
Gosford                       26 (1)  Ourimbah        12       
Avoca Beach              29 (1)  Hornsby            7
Terrigal                       69 (1)  The Lakes         7                                                                     
                                     
PRESIDENTS CUP  (bonus points in brackets)
Warnervale                 26 (1)  Kariong           14                   
Gosford                       14        Ourimbah        10 (1)
Avoca Beach              69 (1)  Hornsby            0
The Lakes                   24 (1)  Terrigal           10
Woy Woy                   13        The Entrance  12 (1)
 
COLTS  (bonus points in brackets)
Avoca Beach              39 (1)  Kariong           12                   
Kariong                       20 (1)  Warnervale       0
 
 
REPORT :
 
The 2017 Central Coast Rugby season continued this weekend with most matches resulting in quite dominant results. However the Match of the Day at Woongarrah Oval was a reasonably tight encounter for much of the match.
 
Warnervale was able to defeat Kariong by 20 points to 7. Warnervale were able to score 2 tries to one in the match and this fact alone demonstrates the closeness of the contest. Kariong had periods of dominance and used their backline well. However the Warnervale forward pack were up to the task and were able to play some very good rugby to allow the home side to control the ruck and maul situation. Warnervale had several very good players in the match but none were better than flanker Cameron McNamara. He was everywhere in attack and defence and his goal kicking allowed his team to get ahead on the scoreboard. Halfback Brenton Acreman scored a good try and was able to supply good ball to his support players. Kariong were best served by prop Richard Harvey, flanker Lachlan Peruch and centre Steve McGrath. The result shows that both these teams will go well this year, however the win to Warnervale sees them very well placed at the top of the competition ladder.
 
Ourimbah stormed home to defeat Gosford by 41 points to 7 at Ourimbah Rugby Park. The first half was a quite even struggle with both teams having their chances of gaining the ascendancy. Gosford did open the scoring with a converted try to Sam Underwood but that was the end of their scoring feats. Ourimbah took the lead in the first half and they went to the break leading by 13 points to 7. The second half was all Ourimbah. They went on to score 6 tries to one in the match. The feature of the match was the try scoring of their lock Joesefa Biu who scored 4 tries in this match and he proved almost unstoppable. This performance follows the 5 tries he scored in their last match. He was definitely the player of the match. He was very well supported by Rob Richardson, Oliver Dark and Caleb Pritchard. Gosford started well but simply could not maintain this success. They would be most disappointed with result. Best players for the visitors were flanker Luke Brown and Hugo Pike, while winger Tomson Fawkner played well. The win sees Ourimbah with two wins from 2 matches and placed at the top of the competition ladder with Warnervale.
 
Terrigal had a resounding win over The Lakes at The Haven Oval, running out victors by 75 points to 8. It was all Terrigal throughout the match. The Lakes started well but just could not stop the onslaught from Terrigal. The home side crossed for 11 tries in what proved an excellent performance. The win does show that they will be most keen and capable of defending their Premiership this year. Best players for Terrigal were backs Dylan Calabria, Dan Sargeant, Adam Dankert, who scored 28 individual points, while hooker Ethan McInnes was outstanding. The Lakes gave it their all and were best served by Anthony McGuiness, Iliesi Cama and Pio Seru.
 
Avoca Beach gained their first win of the season and it was a big one. They were able to defeat Hornsby at Mark Taylor Oval by 64 points to nil. They were able to cross for 10 tries in what proved a totally dominant performance. They scored early and continued their great form for the entire 80 minutes, Best for Avoca Beach were props Luke Sheridan and Josh Meadham, winger Pat Wheatley, who crossed for 3 tries, flanker Brad Sheridan and fullback Nathan Brown. Hornsby tried hard on the day, and their best performers were Sam White and Mitch Fullager.
 
In the President’s Cup, The Entrance travelled to Woy Woy Oval and were defeated in a very close match by Woy Woy to the tune of 13 points to 12.
 

CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNIONRESULTS
SATURDAY, 8th APRIL, 2017
ROUND 2
 
PREMIER 1
 
Kariong                       22       
Jake Holwill 2, Phil Browne tries;
Scott Hanley 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Avoca Beach              14                   
Mitch Jacob try;
Nathan Brown 3 penalty goals
 
 
Warnervale                 22 (1) 
Scott Fitzpatrick 3, Josh Holman tries;
Cameron McNamara 1 conversion
 
defeated
Woy Woy                   12                   
Alifeliti Atiola, Sione Alatini tries;
Alex Moore 1 conversion
 
 
Gosford                       43 (1)
Sam Underwood 2, Brenton Wagner 2, Al Lock, Vince Stewart, Shem Bush tries;
Josh Reid 3 conversions;
Hugo Pike 1 conversion
 
defeated         
Hornsby                        7                   
Harry Fox try;
Sam White 1 conversion
 
 
Ourimbah                    69 (1)
Josefa Biu 5, Tyler Jones 2, Jack Stonestreet 2, Oliver Dark, Jayden Pearson tries;
Rob Richardson 7 conversions
 
defeated                     
The Lakes                   12                   
Harry Pirini, Johnny Feifae tries;
Ross McNair 1 conversion
 
 
PREMIER 2
Kariong                       35 (1)  Avoca Beach  14
Woy Woy                   19        Warnervale      3
Gosford                       62 (1)  Hornsby            3         
Ourimbah                    10        The Lakes         0                                                       
                                     
PRESIDENTS CUP
Avoca Beach              33 (1)  Kariong             0
Woy Woy                   25 (1)  Warnervale       7         
Gosford                       20 (1)  Hornsby            0         
Ourimbah                    28 (1)  The Lakes         7
The Entrance              25 (1)  Terrigal             5
 
COLTS
Avoca Beach              22        Kariong           17 (1)             
Woy Woy                   20 (1)  Warnervale       0
 
 
REPORT :
 
The 2017 Central Coast Rugby season continued yesterday with some very interesting results. In the Match of the Day, Kariong continued their very good early season form when they defeated Avoca Beach by 22 points to 14 at Kariong Oval. It was an even struggle throughout but it was Kariong who scored 3 tries to 1 to secure the victory. Kariong got away to an excellent start and controlled proceedings in the early stages. They jumped to an early 12 nil lead and by halftime this lead was 12 points to 3 and things were looking very good for them at that stage. The home side definitely did have the better of the first half. However early in the second half it was Avoca Beach who made a good comeback and actually took a 14 points to 12 lead in the match midway through that half. Avoca Beach scored a try and fullback Nathan Brown kicked a couple of vital penalty goals. But Kariong quickly hit back to score their third try, and with a late penalty goal, had secured the win. It was a good game of rugby and Kariong showed they will be a force this year in the competition. The outstanding players for Kariong were flankers Lachlan Peruch who had a great game. He was everywhere in attack and defence. He was very well supported by five-eight Ryan Walbank, centre Jim Callaghan and winger Jake Holwill, who crossed for two individual tries. Best players for Avoca Beach were flankers Blake Jacob and Bradd Sheridan, and centre Matt Anderson. The win takes Kariong to the top of the competition ladder at this early point of the season.
 
Warnervale scored their first win of the season when they defeated Woy Woy by 22 points to 12 at Woongarrah Oval. Warnervale started strongly and took control of the match in the early stages. In fact they dominated the first 40 minutes and as a result were able to go to the halftime break leading by 22 points to nil. They had scored 4 tries in the first half and had already gained their bonus point. Warnervale had several very good players during this period. None were better than flanker Dean Crofsky, while centre Scott Fitzpatrick had a wonderful match scoring 3 tries. It was certainly the start Warnervale wanted. However they were not to score a point in the second half while Woy Woy tried desperately to get back into the match. Woy Woy did score two tries in the second half to reduce the lead but it was not going to be enough. Best player for Woy Woy was flanker Lapana Vitale. Warnervale, like Kariong, have showed they will have a good season based on their performances in the first two rounds.
 
Ourimbah started their match like a house on fire when they defeated The Lakes by 69 points to 12 at Slade Park. They had scored 3 tries in the opening few minutes of the match to take an early lead. The Lakes were never to recover from this initial onslaught. Ourimbah raced in 11 tries in the match to totally dominate proceedings. Lock Josefa Biu was outstanding, crossing for 5 individual tries. He was well supported by forward Tyler Jones, and backs Jack Stonestreet and Rob Richardson. The Lakes gave it their all but it was not enough on the day. Players like Harry Pirini and Ross McNair never stopped trying.
 
Gosford also secured their first win of the season when they defeated Hornsby by 43 points to 7 at Gosford Showground. The match was a very even affair in the early stages with both teams displaying some very pleasing rugby. Hornsby did miss opportunities to score early on. However it was Gosford who gradually started to take control and the further the match went on the stronger the home side became, both on the paddock and on the scoreboard. Gosford were able to score 7 tries to 1 and this fact alone shows how effective their win was. Best players for Gosford were backs Josh Reid and Sam Underwood, while forwards Al Lock and Hugo Pike were always very close to the action. Hornsby were best served by Harry Fox and Sam White.
 
In the President’s Cup on Friday night, The Entrance scored a very good win over Terrigal at Joseph Banks Oval by 24 points to 5. They played very structured rugby to record their first win if the season. It was a good game of rugby and both teams gave it their all

​CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNIONRESULTS
SATURDAY, 1st APRIL, 2017
ROUND 1
 
PREMIER 1  (bonus points in brackets)
 
Avoca Beach               14                   
Adrian Jones try, Penalty Try (7 points);
Matt Anderson 1 conversion
 
drew with
Gosford                       14                   
Shay Neist try;
Hugo Pike 3 penalty goals
 
 
Kariong                       29 (1)             
Jake Holwill 2, Phil Browne, Ryan Walbank tries;
Scott Hanley 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal
 
defeated
Woy Woy                   21                   
Epa Nagwara, Hesekkaia Polalulu tries;
Fokolulu Taumalolo 1 conversion, 3 penalty goals
 
 
Terrigal                       19                   
Ethan McInnes, Joe Taylor, Dylan Calabria tries;
Adam Danckert  2 conversions
 
defeated
Warnervale                 18 (1)             
Brennan Wanstall, Zac McGowan tries;
Cameron McNamara 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
           
 
Hornsby                      48 (1)             
Sam White 2, Mitch Fullager 2, Earl Yandall, John O’Donnell, Brian Mudge, Ben Astley tries;
Sam White 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
 
defeated                     
The Lakes                   19                   
Broderick Gray 2 tries;
Bill Moroney 3 penalty goals
 
 
PREMIER 2  (bonus points in brackets)
Avoca Beach               20        Gosford           17 (1)
Terrigal                         8        Warnervale       3 (1)
The Lakes                   48 (1)  Hornsby            0                                                       
Woy Woy                   26 (1)  Kariong           14
                                     
PRESIDENTS CUP  (bonus points in brackets)
Avoca Beach                 5        Gosford             0 (1)
Terrigal                       42 (1)  Warnervale       7
The Lakes                   20 (1)  Hornsby            0                                                       
Woy Woy                   22        Kariong           12
Ourimbah                    25 (1)  The Entrance  12
                         
COLTS (bonus points in brackets)
Woy Woy                   26 (1)  Kariong             7                                           
Avoca Beach               20 (1)  Ourimbah          0
Terrigal                       20 (1)  Warnervale       0                   
 
 
REPORT :
 
The 2017 Central Coast Rugby season opened with some very interesting matches. There were some close matches, and some unpredictable results. 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 Heazlett Park, Avoca Beach scored late in the match to force a 14 all draw against Gosford. Obviously this was a very evenly fought encounter throughout and the result shows it remained that way after 80 minutes. The match started off on a fairly even keel with both teams having opportunities to post points. Avoca Beach then probably took control for awhile and did have a certain territorial advantage in the early stages of the first stanza. But they were simply unable to break through to post any points. The Gosford defence held firm at this stage. The remainder of the first half was a tight struggle. At the halftime break both teams had scored the single try. Gosford had scored a good try through their winger Shay Neist, while Avoca Beach posted their five pointer via fullback Adrian Jones. Gosford did lead at the break by 8 points to 7, and it was obvious this match was going to go right down to the wire. Avoca Beach has several very good performers at this stage.  Bradd Sheridan was all over the paddock and was certainly playing a leading role for his team. He was well supported by halfback Julian Bacigalupo and prop Josh Meadham. Gosford were being best served by centre Josh McGlynn, flanker Hugo Pike, and Luke Brown. The second half was a dour battle, with Gosford able to convert 2 penalty goals to take the lead by 14 points to 7. With time running out it seemed the Gosford team were to hang on for the victory, but a penalty try late in the match due to a Gosford indiscretion saw the home side square up the match at 14 all. Both teams will take a lot from the match, but both would also rue the real chance they had of notching up a first up victory.
 
Terrigal came from behind to defeat Warnervale at The Haven Oval. Terrigal won by the single point, 19 points to 18, in what was a very pleasing game of rugby. Warnervale started well and got away to a great start. They played some concerted and consistent rugby and were able to cross for two early tries. Winger Brennan Wanstall crossed early to open up the scoring. This 5 points to nil lead was soon increased when another very good backline movement saw Zac McGowan cross for an excellent try. The conversion of this try and another penalty goal to Cameron McNamara saw Warnervale lead by 15 points to nil. This was to be the halftime score, and also remained the scoreline for quite awhile into the second half. Warnervale were playing with confidence and an upset was definitely on the cards. However Terrigal at this stage started to put things together in the second stanza. Things were starting to flow for them and as a result they were able to cross for three second half tries. It was a very good comeback but the home side would have been very concerned for the majority of this match. Terrigal had several good players in the match. Their best was hooker Ethan McInnes. He was able to continue his great form from last year and certainly got his team on the straight and narrow in the second half when it was required. He was supported very well by flanker Sam Kenny and forward Alex Brewin. Warnervale put in a great performance and they will have a great season. Their best players on the day were No.8 Richie Houston, prop Ryan Hazell and winger Brennan Wanstall. Both teams would be pleased with their effort on the day and both teams will take a lot from the encounter.
 
Kariong also came from behind to defeat Woy Woy at Kariong Oval by 29 points to 21. This was an exciting game of rugby, and although at times becoming quite dour, some excellent tries were scored. Both teams now know they have the potential to have very good seasons and for a first hit out it was a great effort. After a very even start with a penalty goal each, it was Woy Woy who gained the ascendancy. They were able to score their two tries in the first half and went to the halftime break leading by 15 points to 3. It appeared at that stage that they would go on and secure the win. They even went further ahead early in the second half with a penalty goal and led by 18 points to 3 early in the second half. It was at this stage that Kariong suddenly got into gear. Things started to work for them and suddenly they were able to find the gaps. At the midway point of the second half Woy Woy still led by 21 points to 10 but three late tries to Kariong saw them grab the lead and then secure the win on fulltime. Kariong had several very good players. Five-eight Ryan Wallbank played well and scored the vital final try. He was very wells supported by No.8 Phil Brown, winger Jake Holwill, who crossed for 2 tries, and half back Scott Hanley. Hanley led by example and kept working on his forwards to keep going. Woy Woy played well, and although faltering a little towards the end of the match, will get stronger and stronger as the season progresses. They were best served by centre Iliesa Rokodrega, who was always dangerous with the ball in hand, and forwards Nick Garnett and Kane Burns never stopped. Flanker Lapana Vitale was good all day and was always a threat.
 
Hornsby jumped to the top of the competition ladder with a pleasing win over The Lakes at Hornsby, running out victors by 48 points to 19. They were able to cross for 8 tries to 2 and that was a good indicator of the flow of the match. Hornsby led by 25 points to 10 at the halftime break, but it was late in the second half that they were able to take total control of the match. The home side was able to cross for three very late tries to build up the big lead. Sam White was excellent for Hornsby, scoring 2 tries and kicking 3 goals. He was well supported by Mitch Fullager, Ben Astley and Brian Mudge. The Lakes gave it their all and will be much stronger for the run. They were best served by winger Broderick Gray who crossed for 2 tries. He was well supported by Shae O’Brien, Bill Moroney and Harry Pirini.
 
In the President’s Cup on Friday night, Ourimbah made a successful return to this competition when they defeated The Entrance by 25 points to 12. It was a good game of rugby and both teams gave it their all. It was a pleasing night of rugby to open up the 2017 rugby season here on the Coast.