Lions look set for finals

Woy Woy Rugby Union Club is close to qualifying for the first grade finals for the first time since 1996.

The Lions are equal third with three rounds left in the season and look set to play in the minor-semi on August 28 at Woy Woy oval.

"Only a disaster from here would stop the Lions from playing," said coach Mr Ross Hopkins.

The second and third grade sides are also likely to qualify for their respective finals, giving the club all three sides in the semis for the first time in their history.

The first grade side has had four straight with wins against The Entrance (42-0), Terrigal (27-21), Northlakes (25-11) and Ourimbah (19-12) in the last four rounds of the Central Coast competition.

"The side is working on the momentum that might take them all the way to their first premiership since 1988," Mr Hopkins said.

"The side is playing beautifully at the moment and being led by the evergreen Peter Wright.

"His work rate is amazing and the side certainly performs well under his leadership.

"Even the Club song is getting sung in tune after four straight wins.

"The whole side with Ulai 'Karaoke King' Taka, Craig Follett and Nick Nathan at the back have been outstanding, the two centres Dean Burkwood and Tim Moore have been nullifying any attack that sides throw at them.

"The halves Benny Bula weaving his Islander Magic and Peter Wright have given the forward pack the direction it needs to go forward in games.

"The forwards led up front by Jabba Gooley, Sione Tuitakau and Steve 'loves a try' Lauti have set the platform for the whole side to maintain the attacking platform it needs.

"The Second Rowers Paul Gooley and Dave Plunkett have been great all year, with Paul back to his best in recent weeks with his 'barnstorming raids'.

"Dave's ability at the lineout and in general play has seen him win many a vital ball for the team and he has been playing outstanding football.

"The tireless trio, Glenn Touzel, Dave Hendricks and Justin Allan never seem to stop all game and their ability to steal the other sides ball has led to the sides ability to score a number of tries in recent weeks.

"With Grant Brooks as manager the side knows it has great back up and Brooksy deserves special mention for the thankless and tireless tasks he does week in week out," Hopkins said.

Press release, July 26 Woy Woy Lions