Roosters all do well

The Carlton Premiership for 2001 kicked off in fine fashion for the Woy Woy Roosters with the First Grade, Reserve Grade, under-19s and under-17s all performing well.

Following their win in the inaugural Country Challenge, the Roosters "J&B Meats" First Grade remain undefeated in their quest for the Premiership.

In the first round, the Roosters backed up to face the Wyong Kangaroos, with the Roosters winning by 46 points to 16.

In following weeks, wins over Erina and Umina were not pretty, with the pre-season efforts starting to take a toll on the players.

A bit of life was breathed into the team with a good win over Berkeley Vale, in which Dave Maryska equalled the club record of seven tries in one game, and a solid close win over Ourimbah in Round Five.

A couple of weekends rest has also given some breathing space to help those niggling injuries heal up.

Skipper Jason Carpenter was once again named as captain of the Central Coast representative side and was joined in the squad by other Roosters Brent Byrne, Hayden Berry, Andrew Jackson, Duncan Smith and Grant Stuart.

Unfortunately, Jason suffered a serious knee injury against Umina which will keep him off the field, and out of the representative program.

Duncan Smith and Grant Stuart also had to pull out with injury, however Jade Mason and Dave Maryska were added to the squad and did well, despite the big loss against eventual Divisional Champions Northern Rivers.

Former First Grade Premiership captain Dean McDonald has returned to Woy Woy to coach the Roosters Reserve Grade side.

The Reserves are starting to move up the ladder following a couple of surprise early losses to last year's grand finalists Wyong, and Erina.

In recent games, the return of players of the calibre of Craig Halden, Brett Rodgers and Jarrod Brennan has also provided a return to form for the side as a whole.

The team's recent victory over Ourimbah has put the team into fourth spot and well on the way to a semi final berth.

Following the resignation of Steve Napier as coach, First Grade hooker Mick Jenkins has taken over the reins as coach of the "Aliton Excavations" Under-19s.

Mick's injury problems have been well documented, so when the opportunity to coach came about he was quick to take up the opportunity.

While Mick still has plans of playing again, his long-term goal is to be a successful coach. This role will help him with his goal while helping in the development of some very talented players.

Mick has taken over a talented squad, but one short on numbers.

Despite this, and with some back up from the club's Under-17 players, the team has overcome a couple of big losses against Wyong and Umina to be well in place for a semi-final position after Round Five of the competition.

Fullback Troy McLellan continues to impress with his skills and is among the leaders of the Division Best and Fairest players in the Under-19s.

Centre Scott Wilesmith is playing some great football and contributed to the First Grade victory over Umina when called upon to play First Grade.

Other lesser known players such as Brett Abbott, Rob Quitadamo, Matt O'Neill, Adrian Overton and Lee Brown are starting to make their presence felt, coinciding with the team's recent string of good performances.

Under-17s coach Matt Sharman has had a long successful career with Terrigal and Erina.

Matt also represented the Central Coast and Southern Division and represented NSW Country Under-18s.

The young Roosters got the season underway poorly, suffering a large defeat against Wyong.

On this day, however, a lack of players made the task against a red-hot Wyong side nearly impossible.

The boys soon re-grouped, welcoming Stephen De Fries, Mitch Finnigan and Shannon Stuart back following their duties with the North Sydney Bears.

Shannon was named as the Bears Best and Fairest SG Ball Cup player, which is a great credit to him.

Two Asquith boys Ciaran Williamson and Brad Ward decide to play with the team, which has made the squad all that stronger.

Following the defeat by Wyong a win over Erina got things on the right track.

A close loss to competition favourites Umina saw the side re-address its discipline and respect of the football.

This has paid huge dividends with strong victories over Toukley and Northern Lakes putting the young Roosters into fourth spot on the table.

Thankfully, the club has a great talent pool of Under 16 players, who are this season playing with the combined Woy Woy-Erina side.

Chris Wood, Aaron Hamstra, Scott Wilson and Don Sutherland have all played a role in the Under-17s campaign to date, and will continue to be in coach Sharman's and the clubs plans for the rest of the season.

Peter Read, June 6