RUGBY –
The 2020 CCRU Finals Series has finally arrived and recent matches suggest any of the final five Premier 1 teams could take out the major premiership.
This Saturday’s (Sep 19) minor semi-final at Woy Woy Oval will see two matches – Hornsby and Avoca Beach playing off in the elimination final (kicking off at 3:55pm) followed by the qualifying final between second and third placed Ourimbah and The Lakes (kicking off at 6pm).
Hornsby will start as slight favourites having defeated Avoca Beach in their clash earlier this season, but they did not have things their own way.
The Lakes and Ourimbah match, which will be played under lights, promises to be a thriller with both teams recording strong wins last week.
Minor Premiers, Terrigal, awaits the winner of that match next week, while the loser will play the winner of the Hornsby-Avoca Beach game.
Last weekend, Terrigal cemented the Minor Premiership defeating Avoca Beach 36 points to 19.
The Trojans dominated play for most of the match with five-eight Adam Danckert directing play, well supported by centre Arana Taumata, No.8 Josh Vainikolo and winger Richard Hooper, who crossed for 2 tries.
At Slade Park, The Lakes proved too strong for Hornsby, running out winners by 23 points to 5.
The match was largely in the bag at halftime with The Lakes posting three unanswered tries to race out to a 20-nil lead at the break.
Fullback Macui Rauluni and hooker Tyson Watene were in fine form for The Lakes while Hornsby flanker Sau Faupola and lock Wes Faupola also had strong games.
Over at Gosford Showground, Gosford and Warnervale provided an exciting conclusion to their otherwise lacklustre season with Gosford running out eventual winners 29 points to 19.
Finally, at Ourimbah Rugby Park, Ourimbah cruised to victory over Kariong 66 points to 19.
Ourimbah were always in control over the injury-plagued Kariong team with flanker Jarrod Grange, prop Bret Cunningham and winger Ryan Bender best on ground.
Source:
Match Report, 13 Sep
Larry Thomson, CCRU President