Mixed results in junior rugby league grand finals
The Central Coast Junior Rugby League grand finals provided mixed results for local teams as fans from far and wide descended on Morrie Breen Oval and the Central Coast Stadium on the second weekend of September.
The Woy Woy Under 10(2)s tasted success in their decider against a plucky Gosford-Kariong team, surviving a late comeback to win 28-22.
Sean Bullen was outstanding for the Roosters at the back, while former Storm five eighth Bailey Chislett crossed for two tries against his old club.
A classic struggle ensued between Woy Woy and Wyong in the Under 11(2)s grand final.
Wyong had remained undefeated throughout the season and finished a staggering 14 competition points ahead of the fourth placed Roosters who had battled their way through the semi-finals to reach the decider.
The Roos showed their class early and bounded away to lead 12-0 midway through the opening half.
Woy Woy slowly worked their way back into the contest, however.
When centre Lachlan Kidd scored and then converted just before the break, parity was restored at 12 apiece.
The second half developed into a truly gripping affair as Wyong edged ahead only to be hauled in yet again.
It was 18 all at the siren and extra time was required in an attempt to split the teams.
Supporters of both sides had their hearts in their mouths when firstly a charge from Roosters prop William Hodder came within a blade of grass of winning the day for his team, before a speedy Roo hared away at the other end of the field, darting into the corner to much green and gold jubilation, only to be called back by the officials for a forward pass.
Two periods of extra time elapsed and the sides just couldn't be separated: Woy Woy and Wyong crowned joint premiers for 2016.
Not so fortunate were the Woy Woy Under 12(3)s who had won back-to-back elimination semi-finals just to reach the big day.
They fell 30-22 to minor premiers Budgewoi.
The Under 11(4)s decider saw an in-form Kincumber team prove too strong for the Umina Bunnies; the Colts galloping to a 22-6 victory having led by 10 at the break.
Media release, 13 Sep 2016
Andrew Stark, Gosford Kariong Storm RLFC