Rugby union semi-final played at Woy Woy

The Central Coast Rugby Union Major Semi Final was held at Woy Woy Oval on Saturday, September 8.

In first grade, Avoca defeated Kariong by 26 points to 17.

"This was a gripping match throughout and one that went down to the final minutes of the game," said Central Coast rugby Union president Larry Thomson.

"The scores alternated during the game but much of the match was a tough physical battle where defence was the key," he said.

The opening 20 minutes saw both teams attempt to take control but it was Kariong who had the advantage in the early stages.

They camped themselves in Avoca territory through good attacking play.

They were rewarded early with a penalty goal to halfback Scott Hanley to take a 3-0 lead at the five minute mark.

Avoca had to substitute prop Luke Sheridan early on but he returned to the field later in the half.

Avoca were quick to reply on the scoreboard when, after a series of plays down the touchline, winger Matt Maloney crossed for a try in the corner at the 10 minute mark.

He was unable to convert his own try.

Avoca had taken the lead by 5-3 in what was developing into an even tussle.

It was Kariong who were to score next and regain the lead thanks to their ability to turn defence into attack.

After getting the ball on their own try line, fullback Derrick Peachey raced down the touchline before passing to his supporting winger who kicked ahead.

Five-eight Mitchell Clay chased the ball and dived over the try line in the 21st minute.

The try was converted by Hanley and Kariong had gone to the lead by 10-5.

Within five minutes of the try, Kariong scored again.

After a heavily contested ruck, flanker Afele Tongia grabbed the ball and crashed over for a try adjacent to the posts.

The try was also converted by Scott Hanley and, at the 25th minute, Kariong had taken 17-5 lead.

"At this stage things were looking very good for them," said Thomson.

"They were leading the match and they were playing some good rugby, but as it turned out they were not to score a further point in the remaining 55 minutes of the match," he said.

Avoca kicked two vital penalty goals later in the first half which got them back into the match on the scoreboard prior to half time.

At half time Kariong led by 17-11.

"Kariong had several good players in the first half," said Thomson.

"Number eight Moana Talakia and flanker Afele Tongia were big and strong for the whole 40 minutes.

"They were well supported by lock Trent Baker and fullback Derrick Peachey.

"Avoca started the second half well," he said.

They were back into the match early in the half when replacement forward Chad Martin crossed for a try in the 10th minute.

The unconverted try made the score 17-16 in favour of Kariong.

"The game developed into quite a dour battle with neither side giving an inch and both sides finding it very hard to make any inroads," said Thomson.

"Avoca had several very good players during this period.

"Fullback Jacob Briggs was dangerous with the ball, while prop Luke Sheridan was strong all game despite receiving several knocks.

"Winger Tom Murphy ran hard all game, while fellow locks Peter Steele and Adam Winter led from the front all day.

"Both teams were having missed opportunities.

"Dropped ball, especially by Avoca in the first half and by Kariong in the second half, saw many chances go begging.

"Kariong also missed several goal scoring opportunities in the second half which could have made a difference," he said.

Avoca kicked a penalty goal in the 27th minute and nabbed the lead.

This penalty goal by Matt Maloney took Avoca to the lead by 19-17.

Avoca, at this stage, won several Kariong lineouts, and were gaining valuable possession.

Kariong missed penalty shots at goal at the 22nd and 30th minutes.

The score remained at 19-17 until almost the final minutes of the match when Avoca secured the game with a try.

A run by centre Dan Reihana saw him pass to supporting player Matt Hipwell who crossed for the match winning try.

The try was converted and Avoca had won the match 26-17.

"It was a tough match throughout and both teams had their chances," said Thomson.

"But on the day Avoca showed their experience and won through to the 2012 Grand Final."

The Second Grade Major Semi Final saw Avoca defeat Ourimbah by 14-7.

It was a battle royal in the first half and both teams went to the halftime break locked at nil all.

Avoca gained the ascendancy slowly in the second half and were able to score two converted tries to go to a 14-0 lead with time running out.

"Ourimbah scored in the final 10 minutes and it became a desperate struggle in the final stages of the game," said Thomson.

"However Avoca were able to hang on to go straight through to the Grand Final in Second Grade."

Northlakes had a comfortable win over Kariong in the Third Grade Major Semi Final, running out winners by 36-10.

"Northlakes got away to an excellent start and had crossed for two tries in the opening few minutes," said Thomson.

"Kariong did score a try in each half but it was Northlakes who were the most penetrative throughout the match and were able to cross for a total of five tries and were worthy winners," he said.

In an even match Terrigal won the Under-19 Major Semi Final when they defeated Woy Woy 12-5.

Woy Woy scored first and went to the halftime break leading 5-0.

"Terrigal were playing very structured rugby in the forwards and they were rewarded with two tries in the second half," said Thomson.

Email, 9 Sep 2012

Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union