Round Five of the Central Coast 2016 Rugby Union Competition saw Terrigal run out very convincing winners over Woy Woy at The Haven Oval by 50 points to eight in the match of the day on April 30.
Terrigal started the game in excellent style. They had piled on 20 points within the first quarter of the match. Woy Woy were besieged in those opening minutes of the match and had no answer to the Terrigal onslaught. Terrigal continued their great form and were to continue and crossed for a total of seven tries in the match. The final tally of seven tries to Woy Woy’s one was a great indication of the flow of the match.
Best players for Terrigal included fullback Alec Herridge, who crossed for two individual tries, lock Phil Heard, while players such as Ryan Metcalfe, Tom Lowe and Josh Vainikolo put in some outstanding performances. Woy Woy had no answer and were able to only respond with the single try. Woy Woy did have several players out injured, but on the day, it was all Terrigal, and this may not have even made a difference. Terrigal continue on their winning ways and remain undefeated this season. Avoca Beach also maintained their undefeated record when they defeated Gosford by 23 points to 10 at Heazlett Park.
This was a far tougher match than Terrigal vs Woy Woy, and there was not much between these two sides on the day. Both teams were able to kick an early penalty goal to make the opening score three points apiece, before Gosford winger Chris Heap took an intercept and scored the opening try. The conversion of this try had taken Gosford to an early lead of 10 points to three. This was the scoreline for quite a while. Both teams had periods of attack, but good defence from both sides kept scoring to a minimum. It was Avoca Beach who were able to cross for two tries to enable them to take the lead.
Tries to the Avoca Beach centre pairing of Matt Anderson and Mitch Jacob saw the home side take the lead to 17 points to 10. At this stage, both sides knew they could get the victory, but it was the home side who were able to kick two penalty goals in the last quarter of the match to seal the victory. Best players for Avoca Beach were props Emile Thomas and Josh Meadham, while centres Matt Anderson and Blake Jacob were strong all day. Gosford played well but were unable to get that vital try in the second half. The scoreline of two tries to one demonstrated the closeness of the match. Best performers for Gosford were flanker Jackson Steinbeck, and backs Josh McGlynn and Josh Reid gave it their all.
Kariong recorded their second win in a row when they accounted for The Lakes by 44 points to seven at Kariong Oval. The win was not a surprise, but the size of the victory probably was. Kariong started well and were always in control. They were able to cross for a total of seven tries, while The Lakes were only able to cross for the single touch down. Mitch Clay, on his return from injury, had a great game, and was able to cross for two tries from fullback. He was well supported by halfback Scott Hanley, centre Ryan Hughes and hooker Justin Walker. Kariong are in a patch of good form at present. The Lakes were hit with injuries on the day and did struggle. The Lakes are still searching for their first win while Kariong, with the win, join Gosford on the competition ladder.
Media release, May 1, 2016 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union