The opening weekend of the Central Coast junior rugby league semi-finals provided mixed results for the Gosford Kariong club.
While the Storm’s under 14(2)s managed to keep their season alive with a wellconstructed 26-16 victory over Wyong, the club’s under 10(3) s were outplayed by a Tigers side they had defeated just eight days earlier. Gosford dominated the U14s contest from the opening whistle and ended with a fi ve tries to three advantage. A sleepy period just before half time had allowed the Roos to bound out to a shock 10-6 lead, however Storm centre, Sam Bissett, helped reassert Gosford’s dominance immediately after the resumption, when he dashed 65 metres up centre fi eld to score a spectacular solo try. Representative halfback, Nash Dorratt-Mavin, sliced through on the left edge to add a follow up try, before Michael Porter took advantage of a staggered defence close to the Wyong line, laying on a game sealing try for his perennially straight running back rower, Gokhan Emeli.
The younger Stormers ran into a red hot Tigers line up in the U10(3)s qualifying semi-fi nal and despite having defeated The Entrance in both their previous clashes this year, they struggled with the power and the pace of their opponents this time around. Gosford crossed for the game’s opening try, courtesy of a strong surge from prop, Dylan Wade, before the Tigers clicked into gear; notching four fi rst half tries to take a 20-10 lead into the break. Sunny Mayles and Neni Aho were superb for Gosford, however The Entrance proved too strong and elusive on the day; running out 28-16 winners.
In the final round of senior footy, the Storm’s Open Grade side went within a whisker of lowering Terrigal’s colours in an entertaining season fi nale at Duffy’s Rd. The Sharks were never headed in scoring a 30-22 win, however Gosford played with great spirit throughout the game and late tries to halves, Brendan Eather and Dylan Allen set up a keen conclusion.
Source: Media release, Aug 21 Andrew Stark, Gosford Kariong Storm RLFC