Round 7 of the Central Coast Rugby Union Competition kicked off on May 26 and saw wins to Ourimbah and The Entrance. In the Match of the Day, Ourimbah hung on to defeat Terrigal by 14 points to 8, at Ourimbah Rugby Park.
It was an intense, hard-fought battle throughout. There was nothing in the scores for the entire 80 minutes. Ourimbah did hold the lead for the entire match, but they were never able to get away from Terrigal. They led throughout, but knew Terrigal was just behind them on the scoreboard and always a threat. Ourimbah scored the only try in the first half, and with Terrigal only responding with a single penalty goal, it was Ourimbah who led at the halftime break by 7 points to 3. This try by Jack Stonestreet was a deserved one.
Best player for Ourimbah during this period was flanker, Jarrod Grange. He had a great match and was everywhere in attack and defence. He also posted nine personal points in the match. Others to play well for the home side were prop, Will Fraser, and No.8, Elekana Laupola. Terrigal tried everything they could in the second half to bridge the gap. They played some very concerted rugby and threw all they had at Ourimbah. The home side scored their second converted try early in the second half and had jumped to a handy 14 points to 3 lead. Things were looking good for them. However, Terrigal quickly responded with their own try and reduced the lead to 14 points to 8. It was in the final 15 minutes that Terrigal attacked incessantly, but were unable to break through some very determined defence. It was a wholehearted display by both teams. The win cements Ourimbah’s position at the top of the competition ladder, while the loss by Terrigal sees them drop to third spot on the ladder in what is developing into a most interesting competition. The Entrance had a pleasing win over Gosford, at Joseph Banks Oval, in the President’s Cup, by 12 points to 7. It was very tight throughout, but it was the home side that was in front at the full time whistle. The Lakes and Warnervale did not fare as well as their northern neighbours, both suffering defeats this round. Kariong finally got their first win of the season when they kicked a very late penalty goal to defeat The Lakes by 34 points to 31 at Kariong Oval. It was an exciting match from start to finish.
The points scoring was never ending and there were some fine tries scored during the match. The scores see-sawed throughout the match, with one team in front, then the other. It was a great spectacle for the spectators on hand. It was also intense as both teams needed the win. Kariong went to the halftime break leading by 24 points to 19, and this was after The Lakes led by 19 points to 10 midway through that first half. So Kariong certainly had a great end to the first half. The second half went much the same way. Some excellent tries, and with the result in doubt until the final minutes. With scores locked at 31 points apiece with time running out, it was Kariong who kicked the winning penalty goal and then held out some sustained The Lakes attack before securing the victory. Both teams know there is a gap from their position to the fourth-placed team on the ladder, but they know that with some wins, they can certainly bridge that gap. Avoca Beach proved too strong for Warnervale, at Heazlett Park, and ran out winners by 31 points to 19. Avoca Beach always seemed to be in charge on the scoreboard, but Warnervale were always a threat. The home side had the better of the first half and led at the halftime break by 23 points to 14.
It was a handy lead and one that was deserved. Avoca Beach played pleasing rugby and were able to cross for four tries in that first 40 minutes. The second half was a far more even affair. Both teams were only able to cross for the single try each, and the Warnervale team were simply unable to bridge the gap on the scoreboard. The win by Avoca Beach sees them leapfrog Terrigal into second position on the ladder. Warnervale were never that far behind and will take a lot from the match. Their best players were halfback, Brenton Acreman, flanker, Cameron McNamara, and five-eight, Joey Walton. Warnervale stay in the Top Four despite the loss and have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Source: Media release, May 27 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union