The Lakes secured a tense but valuable victory at Heazlett Park on Saturday (August 13) defeating the Avoca Beach Sharks by 31 points to 25.
The Sharks got the better of the start when they crossed for an early try to centre Alex Halls.
However, The Lakes were quick to respond with their own try and then grabbed two more prior to halftime to lead 19-10 at the break.
Avoca Beach responded early in the second half with two tries to take the lead again, setting the crowd on edge.
The Lakes winger Epeli Vure put his side back in front crossing for his third try midway through the second half before another try increased that lead to 31 points to 22.
Avoca Beach finished the match strongly with a penalty goal and came close to snatching a win right on full time, but The Lakes held on.
Best players for The Lakes were No.8 Tim Poese, flanker Paul Wilson and centre Ashton Hutchinson-Walters, while for Avoca Beach, hooker Cooper Elliott, lock Emile Thomas and centre Alex Halls were the strongest.
The win sees The Lakes jump into fifth spot on 44 points at the expense of Warnervale in what is developing into an exciting race to the Finals with two rounds to go.
The Ourimbah Razorbacks proved too strong for Warnervale in another close match at Woongarrah Oval winning 25 points to 22.
The first half was an even battle with no quarter given for 40 minutes and the teams went in at half time two tires apiece at 10-all.
The lead changed 3 times in the second half with neither team able to make the break on the other.
The scores were locked at 22 points apiece before a penalty goal near fulltime secured the victory for the Razorbacks.
Goal-kicking proved the difference, with Warnervale scoring four tries to three but unable to get the victory.
Best players for the Razorbacks were hooker Jordan Clarke, halfback Luke Mack and No.8 Rob Peden.
Best for the home side were No.8 Moleni Soane, lock Matt Martin and lock Lachlan Natapu.
The win sees the Razorbacks locked in 2nd spot on the competition ladder with Avoca Beach while Warnervale have now slipped to sixth.
In the final match of the round Gosford travelled up the hill to take on Kariong at Kariong Oval with Kariong running out comfortable winners, 78 points to 19.
Kariong were in control from the very start leading by 21 points to 12 at halftime before posting 57 points in the final 40 minutes.
The win lifts Kariong to fourth place on the ladder on 49 points.
Best players for Kariong were flanker Ryan Conaghan, fullback Jake Hubbard, who scored 3 tries, prop Jonah Manuao and flanker Lachlan Peruch, who posted 24 personal points for the home side. Gosford were best served by flanker Richard Cully, halfback Damien Montgomery, prop Suli Hakalo and centre Sam Underwood.
Source:
Match Report, 13 August 2022
CCRU President, Larry Thomson