Woy Woy stays at sixth

Woy Woy Rugby Union Club remains at sixth position on the competition ladder after two defeats over the past couple of weeks.

The first loss came against Kariong in a round nine catch-up match at Woy Woy Oval on July 31.

Kariong did not have it all their own way before defeating Woy Woy by 47 points to 14, according to Central Coast Rugby Union president Mr Larry Thomson.

"Kariong only led in the match by seven points to nil at halftime and both teams would have thought they could win this game at the 40 minute mark,"Mr Thomson said.

"However Kariong absolutely blew Woy Woy away in the final 20 minutes.

"Kariong five-eight Paul Baker was outstanding.

"He scored four individual tries and was almost untouchable.

"He was quick and elusive.

"Others to play well for Kariong were Sonny Taito and John Malu.

"Woy Woy were very much in the game at half time but faded quickly.

"Best player for Woy Woy was five-eight Andrew McNamara who gave it his all for the entire match."

Meanwhile in round 16, Gosford outlasted Woy Woy in a "most entertaining" game of rugby at Woy Woy Oval, running out winners by 35 points to 26, on August 7.

"It was a very important win for Gosford but a game that went for the full 80 minutes," Mr Thomson said.

"The match started with crowd pleasing rugby with the ball being flung around with abandon. "Play went from one end of the field to the other in the opening minutes.

"Both teams had chances to post points early on but it was Gosford who scored first.

"Centre Tim Hill finished off a good team try when he crossed in the corner to take Gosford to an early five points to nil lead.

"That remained the score for quite awhile.

"The next 20 minutes saw Gosford attack consistently but were unable to score points.

"They put on several attacking raids but to no avail.

"Excellent Woy Woy defence kept Gosford out.

"Woy Woy Number Eight Luke Serevi made several individual attacks and was proving very difficult to bring down.

"Gosford kicked a penalty goal though halfback Damien Montgomery to go to a eight points to nil lead at the midway point of the first half.

"Woy Woy did hit back with a very good try to their winger Matt Bishop.

"He finished off a very effective backline movement to score in the corner.

"Suddenly the score was eight to five and the match was on an even keel.

"However Gosford were able to post two tries in the final 10 minutes of the first half.

"Both were excellent tries and with a 20 points to five lead at the halftime break all looked quite settled in terms of a Gosford win."

Mr Thomson said Gosford played good rugby in the first half and deserved the lead.

"Captain Andrew Moseley was very good for the visitors, as was flyhalf Adam Carlisle," according to Mr Thomson.

"Although several of his kicks went astray Carlisle was able to supply very good ball to his outside backs.

"The Gosford scrum was also strong and was able to put pressure on the Woy Woy eight all game.

"Woy Woy also had several good players.

"Besides the strong running of Luke Serevi, half back Mitch Hyde played well as did lock Junior Quta.

"Gosford went further ahead early in the second half when they scored a converted try.

"This made the score 27 points to five, and then a further try midway way through the second half saw Gosford lead comfortably by 32 points to five.

"Gosford had played well and appeared to going on for an even bigger win.

"However Woy Woy were not to be outdone.

"Woy Woy were able to put on three converted tries in the final 15 minutes of the game and they were right back in the game.

"The three tries were scored in quick succession and suddenly Gosford were under siege. "However a penalty goal to Gosford late in the game gave them breathing space, and with Woy Woy scoring these points a little too late in the game, Gosford were able to hang on for a good win.

"Gosford maintain their spot in the top four with the win and makes the last two rounds very interesting.

"The performance by Woy Woy, particularly late in the game, was good and they will trouble the teams they play in the final two rounds."

Press release, 7 Aug 2010 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union