Roosters juniors claim premierships

The Woy Woy Roosters Junior Rugby League Club had two teams claim premierships this year with wins to the 11-3s on Saturday, September 8, and the 13-1s on Sunday, September 9.

On Saturday morning, the 11-3s' boys were full of confidence in their ability to upset undefeated opponents Kincumber as they ran out onto Morry Breen Oval, Wyong.

The game seesawed back and forth with neither side giving an inch and, at the full time siren, the teams were on equal points.

"The Roosters coaching staff were on edge as the boys took to the field for the first of the golden point five minute halves," said Roosters president Mr Tim McParlane.

The allotted five minutes wasn't required when winger Cody Wilesmith crossed for the winning try after only a few minutes play.

"Coach John Saley was unable to contain his jubilation as he jumped to his feet to run out and congratulate the boys, only to crack his head in the process on the overhead cover for the interchange bench," said Mr McParlane.

"Every player contributed to the win, doing their job as per the game plan.

"The stand outs for Woy Woy were fullback Brendan Cashin, who pulled off a number of beautiful try saving cover defence tackles and ran the ball back with confidence, five-eighth Issac Zadravic who ran the ball all day and troubled the Kincumber defence with every touch, Cody Wilsemith on the wing tackled everything that came his way and crossed over for two tries.

"Finally the Man of the Match was five-eighth Issac Zadravic in his first year with the Roosters who tackled like a Trojan and ran the ball all day troubling the Kincumber defence with every touch.

"Issac has been one of the most consistent players all year, a well-deserved award for a blinder of a game," said McParlane

The boys all met again later in the afternoon at the Leagues Club to get sized up for their premiers jackets, with John making it back in time after having received eight stitches courtesy of the Emergency Department at Wyong Hospital.

The boys did the traditional march through the club with congratulations and well wishes from the patrons on hand.

Mick Bovis's 13-1s had experienced semi-final football previously in the 10s, 11s and 12s, but this was their first grand final.

Their opposition, the Toukley Hawks, (like the 11-3s opponents) were undefeated.

"After their Final win against Wyong, I was very confident that the boys still had their best game left in the tank," said Mr McParlane.

"It was a beautiful day at Blue Tongue Stadium, although a little dusty through some of the Woy Woy supporters' eyes, with a large crowd of Roosters' fans gathering to cheer on the boys.

Captain Max Bovis busted through Toukley's line and crossed over for what looked to be a certain try, only to have the ball jarred out of his hands by a defender before grounding the ball.

Toukley made the most of the opportunity and went in for the first try.

Much like the 11-3s game the previous day, it was real arm wrestle with neither team wanting to concede.

"Woy Woy's commitment and enthusiasm in defence, on top of the minimal amount of mistakes they made and the high completion rate of their sets enabled them to keep Toukley out and hang on for the win," said Mr Mcparlane.

"The boys were ecstatic as were the coaching staff and all the supporters.

"This Premiership win is a turning point for these boys and so much deserved.

"If they can keep the same team together they will be a constant threat in any competition for the rest of their junior league careers.

"It was a great team effort from all the boys in what was a tight tussle with Toukley all game.

"The best for Woy Woy were lock Luke Moore who was solid in defence and made a thousand runs taking two or three defenders with him each time, Jake Hubbard at full back with some great trying saving tackles as well as bringing the ball back from kicks all day at speed, Mitch Wilson at hooker whose dummy half and kicking and chase game was top rate from start to finish, which has been the case all season and Max Bovis who was the best player on the field and much deservedly received the Man of the Match award.

"Max defended solidly at five-eighth knocking anyone over running his way and absolutely cut the Hawks defence to shreds with every touch he had, they had no answer for him and were troubled all game trying to contain him.

"A great end for a great year for Max," said Mr McParlane.

The 13-1s regrouped back at Woy Woy Leagues Club and were sized up for their premiers jackets.

Scott Jones had a few words to say, followed by coach Mick who made special mention of and gave thanks to the two 12-1s players Toby Marks and John Saley who backed up for the 13's.

"Although they didn't take the field were never the less an important part of the winning group," said Mcparlane.

"On behalf of all the Woy Woy Roosters I would like to congratulate all the players from the 11-3s squad, coach John Faulkner, manager Therese Gane, trainers Scott Jones and Hayden Fuller and all the players from the 13-1s, coach Mick Bovis, managers Belinda Thompson and Melissa Moore, trainers Aaron McLean and Mark 'Snappa' Wilson; on their success and a great win."

As well as the two teams playing in the grand finals, the Roosters had three other boys who officiated as touch judges in grand finals over the weekend: Ethan Whitfield, Mitch Wolfe and Sean Downey.

Email, 12 Sep 2012

Tim McParlane, Woy Woy Roosters