RUGBY
The Avoca Beach Sharks withstood a spirited performance from the Warnervale Wildcats at Heazlett Park on Saturday (August 6) prevailing 31 points to 19.
They did not have it all their own way.
After the Sharks got away to an early 10-0 lead with two unconverted tries, Warnervale hit back late in the first half and were rewarded with their own.
Notwithstanding some enterprising rugby from the Wildcats, Avoca Beach continued to control the scoreboard posting a further two tries to push the lead out to 24 points to 5 by midway through the second stanza.
But Warnervale fought back with two more tries of their own, drawing to within five points of the home side and piling on the pressure.
It was only in final minutes that Avoca Beach secured the win with a final try.
Best for Avoca Beach were No.8 Matt Anderson, halfback Charlie Crimmings and flanker Fionn Henderson- Foley, while for Warnervale prop Steve Neli, winger Ofa Siale, No.8 Tevita Piukala and lock Lachlan Natapu played well.
The win sees Avoca Beach displace the Razorbacks in second spot on the ladder on 50 points after the Razorbacks succumbed to the Terrigal Trojans at the Haven.
The two teams were neck and neck for the first 40 minutes and went in at half time locked at 13 points apiece.
It was anyone’s match at that stage and the Razorbacks were first to seize the ascendency in the second half, crossing for a converted try to take the lead by 20 points to 13.
The Terrigal machine then clicked up a gear.
On the back of some well-constructive rugby, they soon responded with their own try to level the scores again before rolling on to post another 24 points, running out comfortable winners 44-20.
Best players for Terrigal were winger Ulisene Tagiilima Esene, who crossed for three tries, flanker Noah Hughes, halfback Jye Cornish and fullback Dan Sargeant.
The Razorbacks were best served by flanker James Blanch, centre Kaituu Kaufana, lock Steve Finley and No.8 Rob Peden, who crossed for two tries.
The win saw Terrigal retain the Challenge Shield and also cement their position at the top of the competition ladder on 55 points.
In the final match of the round, The Lakes hosted the Kariong Wanderers at Slade Park.
The clash proved to be one of the best games of rugby this season, with Kariong snatching victory by 43 points to 41.
In a high-scoring match with play going from one end of field to the other for the entire 80 minutes, it was The Lakes who cross for four tries in the first half to lead 26-10 halftime and extend the lead to 31-10 with another try early in the second.
The Wanderers managed to stay in the struggle however and slowly worked their way back into the game.
As The Lakes tired from the frenetic pace, Kariong were able to post five tries in the second half to deliver one of the season’s finest fightbacks.
Best players for Kariong were centre Mitch Clay, who scored two tries, prop Jonah Manuao and No.8 Logan Campbell.
The Lakes were best served by fullback Macui Raulini, prop Tim Poese, and flanker Wiremu Pirini, while winger Nathyrn Harrison crossed for four individual tries.
The win keeps Kariong in the top four on 44 points as the finals approach.
CCN