Rugby win in first trial

Woy Woy Rugby team began the lead-up to the 2004 season in grand style defeating last year's Sydney Suburban Rugby Union Barraclough Shield champions, Newport, 10-0 in the first of their scheduled trials.

With bad weather making handling difficult, controlling the ball in the ruck and maul and lineouts were the keys to the trial win.

In a game dominated by defence and forward packs, a solid platform was laid by Woy Woy's tight five led by Sione Tuitaku and Dave Plunkett.

Gary Sillett was strong in the lineouts stealing crucial ball, and setting up a try off a lineout 10 metres from the opponents line.

Ben Bula, back from a stint in League with Jim Beam Cup team Erina, marshalled troops strongly from flyhalf controlling phase after phase of Woy Woy attacks putting Dean Burkwood and Nick Richardson continually into gaps.

A strong performance was shown against Lindfield with first grader Simon Skinner dominating from the back of the scrum as No 8, while Gav Hewitt and Tau Lavulavu caused havoc to the opposition in the backline all day.

John Rutherford led from the front as flanker and ended up with a superb game with a try in the corner just before full time, to seal a 20-0 win to Woy Woy.

"This was a solid first hitout for the Woy Woy teams and with four weeks to go things are looking promising for the season proper," said Woy Woy first grade coach Ross Hopkins.

"Our boys never gave in and defended hard whenever pressured.

"It all bodes well for an exciting year for Woy Woy and rugby on the Peninsula," he said.

Press release, March 15