Woy Woy loses a tight game

Northlakes defeated Woy Woy by 14 points to 13, in a tight catch-up rugby union game at Woy Woy Oval on July 15.

The game had been postponed from earlier in the season due to the death of Northlakes player Joe Fakateli.

The result was in doubt until the final whistle, according to Central Coast Rugby Union president Mr Larry Thomson.

"In a game with high emotion, the Northlakes team played for the entire 80 minutes with huge enthusiasm and commitment," Mr Thomson said.

"Northlakes started the game well when they scored a converted try in the opening minutes of the game.

"However Woy Woy replied soon after with a converted try to Luke Serevi to make the score seven points all.

"This remained the score for much of the first half.

"Woy Woy did kick a penalty goal 10 minutes prior to halftime to take the lead at the break by 10 points to seven."

Mr Thomson said the match was proving to be a "free flowing affair" but there was many a dropped ball.

"Woy Woy kicked a further penalty goal early in the second half to go to the lead by 13 points to seven," Mr Thomson said.

"Northlakes then had a good series of attacking plays.

"Northlakes outside centre Brenton Law made a great break in his own half to score a wonderful individual try.

"The conversion of this try took Northlakes to the lead by 14 points to 13.

"Both teams had their chances to win in the final stages of the game.

"However dropped balls by both sides led to several tries that went begging.

"Northlakes missed two penalty gaols late in the game, but Woy Woy also took the wrong options on several occasions.

"They failed to take a quite kickable shot at goal as well as missing a dropped goal. "Northlakes hung on to win a close encounter.

"Woy Woy will rue the loss of a vital win in the race for a possible top four spot.

"Best player in the match was Kalem Abbott for Northlakes while Woy Woy's Eddie Malo played well as did Tony Paulo for Northlakes."

The washed out round nine is expected to be played on July 31.

Press release, 15 Jul 2010 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union