RUGBY
The Ourimbah Razorbacks defeat the Avoca Beach Sharks by 32 points to 24 at Woy Woy Oval on Saturday (17 Sep) to advance to the 2022 Grand Final.
In an enthralling match played in warm, gusty conditions, the opening ten minutes was a very even affair.
Avoca Beach had the advantage of the breeze in the first half and took full advantage, opening the scoring with a converted try after only 3 minutes.
However, the Razorbacks were quick to respond and scored their first try soon after to make the score 7-5.
Avoca Beach then established a territorial advantage for the remainder of the first half, crossing again in the 33rd minute to go into half time leading 14 points to 5.
The first ten minutes of the second half saw the Razorbacks regain the ascendency, scoring twice to take the lead 17 points to 14.
Avoca Beach replied with another try to snatch the lead back, before a Razorback penalty goal saw the match lead change once again, 20-19 to Ourimbah.
In the final 15 minutes of the match, the Razorback posted two more to secure victory.
Best players for the Razorbacks were lock James Mann, who was outstanding all game, prop Steven Finley, lock Josefa Biu, who crossed for 2 tries, and No.8 Rob Peden.
Avoca Beach were best served by flanker Fionn Henderson-Foley, halfback Mitch Mitch Magrath and No.8 Michael Hobden.
The win sees the Razorbacks progress to the Grand Final at Central Coast Stadium next Saturday where they meet Terrigal in what should prove a gripping Grand Final.
In the Premier 2 Preliminary Final, Terrigal recorded a good win defeating Avoca Beach by 26 points to 10 while The Lakes won the President’s Cup Preliminary Final defeating Terrigal White by 26 points to 17.
The Women’s 10’s Preliminary Final saw Terrigal prove too strong for Hornsby, running out winners by 36 points to 14.
Source:
Match Report, 10 September
CCRU President, Larry Thompson