Rugby trial played at Woy Woy

Woy Woy Oval will host the second trial match for the Central Coast representative rugby union team against Gordon Rugby Club on Saturday, February 28.

The Central Coast team will play a total of three trial matches in the lead-up to the NSW Country Championships in March.

The newly-appointed coach, Peninsula resident Mr Ross Hopkins, will commence team training at the Mt Penang Complex on January 21.

The first trial match for the representative team will be played out in Newcastle against Hunter Zone on January 30.

The game will be a curtain-raiser to the NSW Waratahs versus Fiji match.

"This game will be a wonderful opportunity for our local players to perform in front of a big crowd and also NSW selectors," Central Coast Rugby Union president Mr Larry Thomson said.

"This game for the Waratahs is their main trial game before the Super 14 commences in February so the game should attract a big crowd."

The final trial match for Central Coast will be against Parramatta at Bateau Bay on March 7.

"These three games will prove an excellent preparation for the NSW Country Championships and should have the final team in good stead for the final weekends of March when the NSW Country titles are held," Mr Thomson said.

"The NSW Country Championship sees Central Coast travel to Armidale to play New England Zone.

"This game will be on Saturday, March 21, and is most important.

"The result will determine the draw for the team the following weekend when the finals of the Championship will be held.

"All Country zone teams travel to Dubbo to compete for the Caldwell Cup.

"Semi finals will be played on the Saturday, while on the Sunday, March 29, the finals will be played to determine the various championship winners.

"There will not only be the senior team but also the Under-20s.

"The Under-20 team will be coached by Greg Hawkings who is the Ourimbah first grade coach.

"Both teams commence their preparations next Wednesday night and both teams will work together in the early weeks before separating into their two sides closer to the trial matches and NSW Country Championship proper."

Mr Thomson said the Central Coast team have won the NSW Country Championship three out of the last four years.

"We were beaten in the semi-final last year by the eventual winners, Hunter," Mr Thomson said.

"Coaches Ross Hopkins and Greg Hawkings want their respective teams to do well this year and will work hard to ensure all is ready by March 21."

Press release, 13 Jan 2009 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union