With half a dozen star players watching from the sidelines, the Stanley Bros Quality Meats Woy Woy Roosters did battle with Competition front runners Ourimbah at Sohier Park in Round 7 of Central CoastRugby League.
With the Magpies also depleted, the Roosters looked to youngsters Geordie Makey, Matt Cama, Justin McDermott, Beau Bovis and Alex Baxter to provide inspiration,and inspire they did – with the Roosters only failing by seconds to hold on fora gutsy win.
As seems to be the case each week, the Roosters started slowly allowing an Ourimbah try after only 4 minutes. The Roosters hit back in the 10thminute with Geordie Makey scoring the first of his three tries as they trailed 6-4. The Magpies hit back only 5 minutes later, taking advantage of an overlap to score out wide and extend their lead to 10-4.
Both sides were guilty of dropped ball & poor discipline as the half wore on, before the Roosters pegged Ourimbah back courtesy of Makey’s second try off a perfect Blake Mattei cross kick in the 22nd minute. Once again as Woy Woy looked to gain control the Magpies replied with points, and led 16-8 at halftime.
The second half turned into a grind for both sides, with player Reserve at an absolute premium. Digging deep, the Roosters surged to the lead on the back of some inspirational plays from Justin McDermott, Matt Cama and Beau Bovis with 6 minutes remaining, following classy tries from Makey and skipper Tim Bovis. Bovis converted his try to have Woy Woy headed towards a memorable win.
One last play was all Ourimbah needed, with virtually seconds remaining the Magpies crossed out wide to snatched a deserved win (and the inaugural John Carroll Cup) away from the Roosters by 22-18. Along with the parade of youngsters, Matt Wakefield, Chad Martin, Scott Wilesmith and Tim Bovis were outstanding.
The Campbells Home Timber & Hardware Reserve Grade suffered from the depleted First Grade squad, calling on Under 18’s Jake Beetson, Greg Wisham, Ben Nicholls and Jordan O’Donnell to fill the void.The Roosters took the lead through tries to Ryan Wallbank and Greg Wisham, however a try on half time and an early second half skirmish which saw a player sent off and another sin binned, changed the momentum in Ourimbah’s favour. The Roosters battled gamely, however the Magpies ran away with a 30 points to 12 victory. For Woy Woy Ben Dickson was again outstanding as were Ryan Wallbank and young Wingers Wisham and Beetson.
Five second half tries from the Bracey & Associates Open Age provided for some entertaining football, and a grandstand finish, after trailing Ourimbah 21-6 at the break. Allan Bennett lead the revival with two tries, along with further tries to Shrek Woodbury, Adam Mears, Andy Taylor & Reece Dovey which got the Roosters agonisingly close, but Ourimbah held on for a 33-32 win. For the Roosters Allan Bennett,and Woodbury ran rampant, while Joel McKay showed potential in only his second game for the Club.
The Lance Clarke Amcal Pharmacy Under18-1s finally got their season going with a tough 24-16 win over fifth placed Ourimbah. With Parrish Newham and Dane Forrest leading the way, the Roosters scored three first half tries to Ben Nicholls, Nicho Hynes and Tristan Morgan, before Newham capped off and outstanding game with a try 9 minutes from fulltime.
At Duffys Road Oval earlier in the day, the Orix Car Centre Under 18-2s fought back gamely from an 18-nil half time score,to push the undefeated competition leaders all the way, before suffering a 22 points to 12 loss. For the Roosters Andy Jackson and Jake McWilliams played their usual solid games, while halfback Brad Shaw returned after not having played for 3 seasons to guide the team around the park.
