Woy Woy Lions start season strongly

The Woy Woy Lions rugby union team have had a strong start to the 2016 season, despite pre-season injuries which has seen three grand final stars not yet take the field.

Faced with two traditionally strong clubs, Avoca and Gosford, in the first two rounds, the Lions were pleased with results.

The Firsts were well beaten by Avoca but responded with a resounding 37-17 defeat of Gosford.

Coaches Paul Gooley and Carl Von Kotze were delighted with their under-strength side's effort against Gosford.

Carl said it was "the most courageous effort in two seasons".

The Reserve grade side had a stirring win over Avoca and a 22-18 loss to Gosford.

The majority of the team had played under coach John Stokie as juniors and several will be pushing for first grade selection as the season progresses.

The Thirds are early front runners with two comfortable victories.

These heartening results clearly show the depth of talent has grown very quickly with the return of several former juniors to the club.

Three of them, all in their first season in grade, featured strongly in first grade's victory over Gosford.

Flanker Lepana Vitale was Man of the Match.

Teenage half back Zac Doake-Stride and lock Blake Batton each shone and both were rewarded by scoring tries.

Two newcomers also had superb games.

Inside back Dan Naivalu and winger Iliese Rokogrega, who showed great running skills, both scored brilliant tries.

With excitement growing surrounding the new Woy Woy Oval facilities, several first grade players about to resume from injury, and numbers at training steadily increasing, the club is confident about its outlook for the season.

Email, 13 Apr 2016

Peter Fenton, Woy Woy Lions Rugby Union Club