Woy Woy roundly defeated

Woy Woy Rugby Union Club has been defeated in all grades for round two and three of the Central Coast rugby union competition this month.

In what has been described as "one of the best free flowing games of rugby seen on the Central Coast for quite a while", Kariong's first grade hung on to defeat Woy Woy 43 to 29 at Woy Woy Oval on May 2.

"This was a good game of rugby," Central Coast Rugby Union president Mr Larry Thomson said.

"Kariong scored a try in the opening minute of the game and things right from the start looked ominous for Woy Woy.

"However, Woy Woy played some great rugby for the next 20 minutes.

"They continually attacked the Kariong line and were able to post two great tries.

"Second rower Paul Gooley scored a 35 metres try after a strong run.

"Kariong were being caught infringing the offside line on several occasions and these indiscretions were putting them on the back foot.

"Woy Woy led by 15 points to five and were playing good rugby.

"But then it was Kariong's turn to take control.

"An intercept try to Shannon Beavan and some good forward charges saw Kariong hit the lead."

Mr Thomson said the game was flowing from one end of the field to the other and the spectators were being treated to some exciting rugby.

"Kariong went further ahead in the early stages of the second half," Mr Thomson said.

"They scored two tries and looked to be coasting to victory.

"Woy Woy then played some great fighting rugby.

"They certainly did take it to the larger Kariong team especially in the forwards.

"Woy Woy however at times took the wrong options and on a couple of occasions they allowed Kariong to gain the ascendancy through their own errors.

"Some great play, and individual brilliance from their five-eight Marlon Counsell, both centres Angus Stewart and Daniel Forsyth, and they were able to get back into the match.

"They posted two tries to make the score Kariong 36, Woy Woy 22 with 10 minutes to go.

"It looked all over for the home team.

"However a good Woy Woy try under the posts saw the score reduced to 36 to 29 and suddenly Woy Woy were within a converted try of Kariong.

"However Kariong sealed the game on the final whistle by scoring a converted try.

"Best for Kariong was flanker Peter Downie who was all over the paddock, inside centre Sione Malu and prop Steve Lauti.

"Shannon Beavan played his typically strong game while Scott Connors at fullback was always dangerous in attack.

"The Woy Woy backline was excellent, headed by the three players mentioned above.

"Matt Bishop was also excellent at fullback while club stalwarts, Dave Plunkett and Paul Gooley, never took a backward step all day."

In other results for round two, Woy Woy's second grade team were defeated 38 to 10 by Kariong and defeated 32 to 10 in third grade.

Round three for Woy Woy first grade saw a try scored on the fulltime whistle by Ourimbah with a 15 to 13 finish against them.

"The try was scored close enough to the posts for the home team to convert the try to gain victory," Mr Thomson said.

"Both teams scored two tries and there was nothing between them all game.

"Woy Woy would have felt they were home but for the match winning try in the last minute of play.

"Ourimbah had several good players but none were better than five-eight Tim Hill, prop Joe Montgomery and Nathan Claxton.

"Woy Woy would consider themselves most unlucky.

"Best players for them were five-eight Marlon Counsell, Joel Frazer and Nick Garnett. "Ourimbah now have gained their second win of the season both by the narrowest of margins.

"Woy Woy are yet to win but must be very close after three very good performances this season."

In other round three results, Ourimbah defeated Woy Woy second grade 27 to 0 and also 27 to 12 in third grade competition.

At the end of round three, Woy Woy first grade finished seventh on the points table.

Press release, 10 May 2009 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union