U10s play a tremendous game of junior footy

Gosford look to split the Eagles up the middle during the 2nd half at EDSACC Photo: Andrew StarkGosford look to split the Eagles up the middle during the 2nd half at EDSACC Photo: Andrew Stark

A courageous performance from an undermanned Gosford Kariong U10(1)s team fell just two minutes shy of producing a memorable victory during round nine action of the Central Coast junior rugby league on Saturday, June 27.

The Storm boys took on the well credentialed Erina Eagles at EDSACC Oval and with a number of regulars missing, were forced to elevate talented U9s players; Benji Keene- O’Keefe, Lorenzo Godoy and TJ Ghilardi, to make their competition grade debuts 12 months ahead of schedule.

Despite the overly fresh faced appearance of their lineup, the patched up Gosford side didn’t take a backward step at any stage during the contest and it was only a late Erina try that enabled the tri-colours to snatch a last gasp, 22-18 victory.

The opening half had seen the young Stormers rip hardily into their work, taking a deserved 18-12 lead into the huddle following tries to rookie dummy half TJ Ghilardi and two slashing, 30 metre darts from impressive centre threequarter Jackson Pennell.

After the break, a swag of unfriendly penalties thwarted Gosford’s momentum and despite working tirelessly in defence, the relentless attack of the Karalta Road boys ultimately prevailed in what was a tremendous game of junior footy. Later in the afternoon, the fledgling trio backed up to play staring roles in the U9(1)s 34-16 victory over Erina with Benji Keene- O’Keefe crossing for five tries.

In other round nine results; the Storm U13(2) s have pushed their recent winning streak out to five, following a comprehensive 30-10 win over Terrigal.

The Gosford Kariong U12(3)s played out a 24- 22 nail biter against the Bulldogs of Budgewoi. The U15(1)s were washed out at Berkeley Vale while the U14(1)s and U10(2)s ran into stiff opposition at Kincumber.

Media release,
29 June 2015 Andrew Stark,
Central Coast Rugby League