The Central Coast Rugby Union season restarts this Saturday, June 15, after the June long weekend break.
There are several interesting clashes, but the Match of the Round this Saturday sees Ourimbah take on Gosford at Ourimbah Rugby Park. “This game should be a good one with both teams having good wins in recent weeks,” said Central Coast Rugby Union president Larry Thomson.
“Ourimbah will go into the match as slight favourites because they are at home and also because of their great effort in their last outing when they defeated Terrigal in what was an excellent performance. “Ourimbah, in that match, showed they have good strengths right across the paddock and their forward pack is proving to be one of the more dominant on the Coast. “Gosford will need to match Ourimbah in the forwards if they are going to win this one.
“Gosford were most effective in their last match when they easily accounted for The Entrance but this is a step up in pace and commitment. “Gosford this year have had a mixture of youth and experience. “There are the players who have been around for quite a while, such as Luke Hennig, Dave Von Kotze, Tim Hill and Steve Lauti but they also have this year several players who are getting their first try out in the top grade.
“It is these younger players who will have to rise to the occasion on Saturday. “These two teams always enjoy defeating each other and the match will not be for the faint hearted. “Both coaches, Stuart Formston at Gosford and David Witt for Ourimbah, will have their troops primed for the big game.
It will be intense in the forward struggle, but the way these two teams play the game therefore should result in plenty of action out wide. “Gosford will also be challenging for the Challenge Shield which Ourimbah took off Terrigal as a result of their last win. “It should be a great afternoon of rugby at Ourimbah,” said Thomson. Northlakes are at home to Terrigal at Slade Park which could also prove to be an interesting clash.
“In an unusual situation Northlakes are coming off a win while Terrigal are coming off a loss,’ said Thomson. “Northlakes are also at home on Saturday and they always perform much better at Budgewoi. “All these factors lead to an interesting game of rugby. “Northlakes have had a great return to the top grade this year and they want to continue that improvement this Saturday.
“Terrigal on the other hand will be most keen to get back quickly into the winner’s circle especially after two successive losses. “This game could be much tighter than many expect but most would expect Terrigal to get the win because of their experience and their player depth. “Avoca Beach travel to Joseph Banks Oval to play The Entrance this Saturday.
“Avoca Beach have taken all before them this year and that form should ensure another win. “Avoca Beach have been playing exceptional rugby and have won everything this year. “The Entrance have had some very good performances but their last outing was not the best. “However they are at home this Saturday and they do perform much better there.
“They will be hoping that they can cause the visitors some issues and make a real tussle of this match. “Avoca Beach will be very strong favourites to win but The Entrance are always that little bit tougher at Bateau Bay. “Woy Woy play host to Kariong at Woy Woy Oval and will go into the clash as very firm favourites.
“Woy Woy have not had a game for several weeks becausend of a bye a the long weekend so they should be fresh and ready to go. “Kariong are yet to get a win this year and are finding things very tough at present. “They will give it their all on Saturday but they are meeting a team who are getting better and better with every outing,” said Thomson.
Media release,
10 Jun 2014
Larry Thomson, Central
Coast Rugby Union