The CCRU Premier 1 Major Semi-final saw the Terrigal Trojans defeat the Avoca Beach Sharks by 23 points to 13 and book a place in the 2022 Grand Final.
The match was played at twilight at Woy Woy Oval, and it proved to be typical Finals rugby.
The first half was a dour battle with neither team willing to give any favours to the opposition.
Avoca Beach opened the scoring after 13 minutes with a penalty goal, but for the next 20 minutes no further points were posted, reflective of the intense defence from both sides.
Gradually it was Terrigal who came back into the picture with two penalty goals late in the half to go to the halftime break with a narrow lead of 6-3.
The Trojans increased their lead early in the second half when they crossed for the first try in the match and a further converted try saw them leap out to a 20-3 lead.
Avoca Beach then staged a fightback and, with more possession, were able to respond with two late tries.
Neither try was converted and Terrigal were able to hang on to a 20-13 lead to secure victory.
Best players for Terrigal were hooker Ethan McInnes, five-eight Adam Danckert and centre Brent Merritt.
Best for Avoca Beach were halfback Mitch Magrath, fullback Mitch Briggs, who crossed for 2 tries, and prop Tim Newton.
The Sharks will get a second chance next week when they meet the Ourimbah Razorbacks in the Preliminary Final after the Razorbacks defeated Kariong 38 points to 19 in the Minor Semi-final.
The match proved to be an intense and very exciting game of rugby.
The Razorbacks had the better of the first half and they were able to take the early lead with two tries, but Kariong hit back with two tries of their own in the final five minutes of the first half to lock the scores up at half time.
Kariong then took the lead early in the second half with their third try, but it was the Razorbacks who finished the stronger.
They were able to re-assert control and steadily posted a further four tries to take the victory.
Best players for the Razorbacks were hooker Jordan Clark, No.8 Rob Peden, and five-eight Owen Turner, while Kariong were best served by lock Nick Outram, No.8 Lachlan Peruch and fullback Jake Hubbard.
The Preliminary Final between Avoca Beach and Ourimbah will be played at Woy Woy Oval this Saturday (September 17) in what should prove an enthralling clash.
Both teams have very good forward packs and with backlines that can score from anywhere on the paddock.
They have played each other twice, with Avoca Beach winning both contests.
However, Finals are a whole new ball game and the Razorbacks have come into good form at the right time of the season.
Main Source:
Match report, CCRU President, Larry Thomson