Avoca Beach defeated the Razorbacks 20-15 at Ourimbah Rugby Park on July 13 in Round 12 of the Central Coast Rugby Union competition.
It was a hard-fought contest and close throughout.
The Razorbacks opened the scoring in the ninth minute when halfback Connor Peden crossed for the opening converted try.
A converted try to Avoca Beach’s Sam Evans saw the scores locked at seven-all at half-time.
Avoca Beach took the lead for the first time early in the second half, kicking a penalty goal to lead by 10-7 and soon after crossing for a second try to increase their lead to 17-7.
The Razorbacks scored a penalty goal and then crossed for a try at this time to take the score to 17-15 in Avoca’s favour, with a penalty goal to Avoca Beach near full-time cemented the win of 20-15.
There were some outstanding performances from several players in both teams in the match.
Best players for Avoca Beach were fullback Henry Parker, flanker Fionn Henderson-Foley, winger Tyler Park and lock Michael Hobden.
Best for the Razorbacks were halfback Connor Peden, centre Owen Turner and winger Kumudika Gunaratne.
Warnervale travelled to Woy Woy Oval to meet the home team and won the day 45-14.
It was a see-sawing match but Warnervale was always in charge on the scoreboard.
They crossed for two converted tries in the first seven minutes to take a very early 14-0 lead.
Woy Woy struck back with a try to make the score 14-7 with Warnervale crossing for a third converted try close to half-time and going to the half-time break with a 21-7 lead.
Warnervale posted a further 24 points in the second half, with Woy Woy responding with their second converted try.
Best performers for Warnervale were lock Enosi Falekaono who crossed for two tries, halfback Harry Sexton and outside centre Scott Fitzpatrick.
Woy Woy saw good performances from hooker Tim Cook, halfback Mitch Hyde and No.8 Tali Sitani.
The win sees Warnervale cement their fourth spot on the competition ladder.
Lake Macquarie hosted Gosford at Walters Park, Boolaroo, with the visitors taking the victory by 35-26.
Gosford got away to a great start, crossing for three converted tries to lead by 21-0 halfway through the first half.
Lake Macquarie responded with their own three tries to make the half-time score very close – 21-19 in Gosford’s favour.
Gosford surged early in the second half, crossing for a further two tries.
Lake Macquarie crossed for a converted try late in the half but it was all too late with Gosford hanging on for the win.
Best players for Gosford were outside centre Will Sharpe, flanker Isaac Steinbeck, five-eight Jack Shelley and inside centre Jackson Steinbeck.
Lake Macquarie was best served by outside centre Ifan Hunnam who crossed for three personal tries, centre partner Isaako Enosa, and five-eight Rhys Cawley.
The Premier 1 points table sees Terrigal holding a significant lead on 45, followed by Avoca Beach on 35, the Razorbacks on 33, Warnervale on 32, Lake Macquarie on 18 and Gosford on 16.
The Women’s 12s competition saw Avoca Beach defeat the Razorbacks 10-5, while Terrigal and Warnervale recorded significant victories.
In the President’s Cup competition, The Lakes, Avoca Beach, Kariong and Lake Macquarie all recorded victories.
The penultimate round of the Central Coast rugby competition will be held on July 20, with Gosford playing Warnervale at Gosford Showground, the Razorbacks taking on Lake Macquarie at Walters Park and Woy Woy clashing with Terrigal at The Haven Oval.
In the Women’s 12s competition, Terrigal will meet Woy Woy at home, the Razorbacks travel to Boolaroo to take on Lake Macquarie, and Avoca Beach will host The Lakes at Heazlett Park.
In the President’s Cup, The Bay meets Warnervale on Friday night at home, and on Saturday Avoca Beach plays The Lakes at home, Lake Macquarie hosts the Razorbacks, and Terrigal meets Kariong at The Haven Oval.