Union wins in three grades

Woy Woy Rugby Union started the season beating Southern Lakes in all three grades on Saturday, April 10, at Central Coast Stadium.

The first grade forwards led by Sione Tuitakau, Paul Gooley and Steve Lauti were strong and constantly put barnstorming runs up the centre of the field, providing backs in Ulai Taka and Vince Alipate with space out wide to capitalise.

The side ran out winners 49-13 and fitness played a large part in their success.

Coach Ross Hopkins was pleased with the win, but said that the players had a lot of hard work ahead before they could say that they were a force in the competition.

Point scorers were Steve Lauti 3 tries, Ulai Taka 2 tries, Greg Smith, Sione Tuitakau and Paul Gooley.

The second grade started the season with a thumping 37-0 win over Southern Lakes.

Best for the Lions were Lani Alipate, Chris Chappell and Shannon Sharpe.

The Second Grade side started well and were never headed by a determined Lakes outfit.

With the scrum dominating, the backs were left with plenty of space and made huge raids into the opposition territory.

Point scorers were Tau Lavulavu 2 tries, Luke Barbara, Chris Chappell, Lani Alipate, Danny May and Shannon Sharpe.

In third grade with an influx of players many of first grade standard, the Thirsties started the season well with a 19-7 win.

After recovering from an opposition intercept try, the thirds went to half time locked at 7-all.

The second half saw more control with the football and greater field position enabling our strong play to get the better of the Lakes side.

John Rutherford was outstanding for the Lions as was Dick Mortimore and Ricky Parsell.

Point scorers were Rick Parcel 2 tries, Peter Harlum and Craig Follett.

Press release, April 14