RUGBY UNION
Terrigal will go straight to the grand final of the Premier 1 Central Coast Rugby Union competition after defeating Warnervale 36-21 in the major semi-final at Woy Woy Oval on August 10.
In a nail-biting match, Warnervale got away to a great start, crossing for a converted try to take a 7-0 lead after just three minutes.
But it didn’t take too long for Terrigal to respond, crossing in the 12th minute for their opening try to make the score 7-all.
The match was a very even struggle with both possession and territory even.
Midway through the first half, Warnervale did exerted sustained pressure for a period of time on the Terrigal line and were rewarded with a second try to once again take the lead by14-7.
Terrigal crossed for their second try right on the half-time hooter, making the half-time score 14-all.
After a fairly evenly-matched first half, Terrigal crossed for their third try in the sixth minute of the second half and steadily maintained their momentum to score a penalty goal and another converted try.
At the midway point of the second half Terrigal had a handy 31-14 lead and things were looking grim for the Warnervale team.
But a great try to Warnervale centre Keegan Quakawoot saw the lead reduced to 31-21.
Terrigal cemented the victory in the dying stages of the match to record a well-deserved win.
Terrigal had several very good performers but none were better than lock Josh Vainikolo, prop Tom Leslie, flanker Will Shipton and five-eight Adam Danckert.
Fullback Jayden Woolley also had a strong match and was rewarded with two tries.
Best for Warnervale were centre Keegan Quakawoot, who scored two tries, prop Tupou Soane, and five-eight Stefan Collins.
Terrigal now proceeds to the grand final on August 25 at Industree Group Stadium while Warnervale meets Avoca Beach on August 17 at Woy Woy Oval to see who plays Terrigal in the grand final.
The Premier 2 major semi-final saw Terrigal defeat Warnervale 27-17.
Warnervale had a great start to this match and had posted three tries to lead 17-0 before Terrigal had opened their account.
Terrigal hit back late in the first half with two converted tries, but it was Warnervale who went to the half-time break leading by the narrow margin of 17-14.
But it was all Terrigal in the second half and they were able to overtake Warnervale and post a further 13 points in the half.
Terrigal heads straight to the grand final on August 25 while Warnervale will play Avoca Beach next Saturday.
The President’s Cup major semi-final proved to be a one-sided affair which saw The Lakes defeat Terrigal by 25-0.
The Lakes controlled proceedings right from the opening whistle and went to the half-time break with a 12-0 lead.
They continued to attack in the second half and were able to score a further two tries in the second stanza to secure victory.
The Lakes go straight to the grand final while Terrigal will meet Kariong on August 17 in the preliminary final.
In the Women’s 12s major semi-final, Avoca Beach scored a try in the dying minutes of the match to defeat Lake Macquarie by 17-15.
It was a tight match throughout.
Lake Macquarie led early with two tries, and went into the half-time break with a 15-7 lead.
Avoca Beach finished the stronger later in the match and crossed for two tries in the second half to secure the victory.
Avoca Beach goes straight to the grand final on August 25 while Lake Macquarie meets Terrigal on August 17 to see if they get another chance to play Avoca Beach in the grand final.
The preliminary finals on August 17 at Woy Woy Oval kicks off with the Under 11s at 8.30am, followed by the Under 12s at 9.40am, President’s Cup at 11am, the Women’s 12s (Lake Macquarie v Terrigal) at 12.25pm, Premier 2 (Warnervale v Avoca Beach) at 1.35pm) and Premier 1 (Warnervale v Avoca Beach) at 3.15pm.