Ourimbah gained the 2015 Minor Premiership when they defeated Terrigal by 43 points to 11 at Ourimbah Rugby Park in the Central Coast Rugby Union on Saturday, 22 August.
Ourimbah started the match very well and finished strongly to secure the decisive victory. After an initial few minutes of opportunity for both teams, it was Ourimbah who opened the scoring in the third minute to take the early lead.
It was a well-constructed try which saw back Junior Stowers cross for the first of his two tries in the match. Ourimbah maintained this early advantage and were soon on the attack again.
A forward surge saw their five-eight Ryan Fenning reap the advantage with a try next to the uprights. The conversion of his own try had taken the home team to a very good lead of 12 points to 0 after only 10 minutes.
Things were not looking good for Terrigal at that stage, however it was Terrigal who started to get back into the match. They did attack for long periods, and they were often close to scoring.
However dropped possession at vital stages let them down. This period of play was so costly for the visitors. They had their chances, but too many errors prevented them from posting vital points.
Terrigal did kick a penalty goal at this time to reduce the lead to 12-3 but it was not enough.
At the 25th minute Ourimbah, almost against the run of play, made a break through by flanker Brett Marchant. He in turn passed to lock Josefa Biu who crossed for a very good try. Suddenly Ourimbah were back in control on the scoreboard.
Terrigal kicked a second penalty goal right on half time through their five-eight Adam Danckert to make the scoreline 19 points to 6 at the break. It was a half of rugby dominated by Ourimbah on the scoreboard but where both teams probably had quite equal chances.
Terrigal just did not take theirs. This was often because of very good Ourimbah defence. Terrigal started the second half well. They scored a pleasing try early in the half through their fullback Alec Herridge.
With much of the half still to go, the scores had become closer, but it was still Ourimbah in control. With the scores at 19 points to 11, this was the time for Terrigal to get back into the match, but it was not to be.
It was from now on that Ourimbah played their best rugby. They dominated the breakdown and were able to further capitalise on the scoreboard. They were able to cross for a further three tries to secure the match and the Minor Premiership.
Terrigal played well in large patches but made too many errors on the day. Their best were halfback Doug Angus, No.8 Sam Kenny, and fullback Alex Herridge.
It was a good game of rugby in front of a pleasing crowd. Ourimbah have definitely set the pace in this year’s competition.
All the remaining three matches saw quite convincing wins, with results going as many would have expected.
Woy Woy, Avoca Beach and Gosford all had bonus point wins so their matches next week will determine who will stay in the top four. Avoca Beach currently remain in fifth spot but are just out of the four.
They will have to rely on results going their way next week to make the top four. Gosford did enough to defeat The Entrance / Northlakes at Slade Park by 46 points to nil.
Gosford were always in control and the scoreline of 8 tries to nil was a very accurate description of the flow of the match.
Best for Gosford were halfback Joel Wagner, Josh Reid and Josh McGlynn, while the home team were best served by Chris Baird, Alistair Salisbury and Mike Ferris.
Avoca Beach crossed for 12 tries in their victory over Kariong at Heazlett Park, running out victors by 72 points to 29.
Avoca Beach were always dangerous with ball in hand and were always heading towards victory. Kariong did respond with 4 tries but it was nowhere near enough against a team that needed the win to keep in touch with the top four.
Best players for Avoca Beach were prop Josh Meadham, who was rewarded with 2 tries, hooker Max Stewart, and Mitch and Blake Jacob.
Kariong had several good performers, but none were better than the efforts put in by Scott Hanley and Tom Clay.
Media release,
23 August 2015
Larry Thomson, Central
Coast Rugby Union