Regional rugby

[Aussie D]

Interesting article Boyo, the most telling is his jibe at the ARU concerning grassroots funding and highlighting the fact that all the other major sports focus on growing the base whereas the ARU focusses on the top of the pyramid.

 

[Aussie D]

Read in the local paper today that Hornsby have joined the local comp this year. Not sure if it is juniors as well or just seniors. Will be good to have a 10 team comp again.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

2015 Newcastle Hunter Rugby season is upon us.

Singleton have returned to Premier rugby.
Easts have left Premier rugby due to inability to field enough teams (I believe) & have been moved to Division Rugby.
East Maitland are not fielding a team at all this year according to "Rugby News" yet they are listed as playing in the very same program (weird).
Maitland have returned after a long absence to the women's comp for 2015.
Southern Beaches have entered a team for the women's comp but appear to be playing at Walters Park (home of Lake Mac Roos) & the Roos women's team are no more - not real sure what's going on there.

Have not been in the loop with either to really know whose fav's or not in the men, so here for Premier 1 is the predictions from the Newcastle Herald.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2...d-old-faces-promise-intriguing-season/?cs=306

Newcastle-Hunter Rugby have introduced a player points system this year to try & level the playing field between clubs & reward loyalty (see article for more explanation).

Here is the 1st Rugby News for the season (so glad it is now in pdf format), will provide update on teams playing in premier/division rugby:

http://www.nhru.com.au/images/rugbynews/rugbynews2015-r01.pdf

Game of the round should be on BarTV's youtube channel Saturday arvo (I think it is Merewether V Sth Beaches).

Women's Rugby:
Wanderers, Merewether-Carlton, Southern Beaches, Maitland, University. Not too sure of the make-up of most teams, other than Uni. However, Wanderers & Merewether-Carlton are tipped by most to be the top two again.

CORRECTION!: Game of the round is 3pm Sunday this week. Normally games are on Saturday.

 

[Aussie D]

Central Coast Rugby Union Round 1 results
Gosford31 (Tim Hill 2, Luke Hennig, Alastair Lock tries;
Tim Hill 4 conversions, 1 penalty goal) defeated Woy Woy 27 (Sione Toki 2, Alex Moore 2 tries
Matt Riddle 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
Warnervale18 (Sam Heterick, Josh Rennie tries
Josh Rennie 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals) defeated Avoca Beach13 (Daniel Aguirre-Acevedo, Brookelan Morgan tries; Matt Maloney penalty goal)
Kariong 21 (Damien McGovern, Alex Cowie, Adrian Slater tries; Thomas Johnson 3 conversions) defeated The Entrance 17 (Taylor Suckling 2, Russell Hughan tries;
Matt Burraston 1 conversion)
Terrigal44 (Ryan Metcalfe 2, Josh Vainikolo 2, Sam Kenny, Doug Angus, Alec Herridge, Daniel Sargeant tries; Adam Danckert 2 conversions) defeated Hornsby 15 (Paula Kianga 2, Alex Marango tries)
Ourimbah 125 (Jack Stonestreet 4, Brenton Law 4, Brett Marchant 3, Matt King 2, Junior Stowers 2, Tyler Jones, Sam Kearney, Kelevi Vatabuli, Junior To-o tries; Ryan Fenning 14 conversions; Brenton Law 1 conversion) defeated Northlakes 0

Some interesting results in this round - Gosford defeating reigning premiers Woy Woy, perennial strugglers Warnervale overcoming powerhouse Avoca, Ourimbah tearing Northlakes a new one (Champion mentioned on the previous page of this thread a rumour that Northlakes had been spending big on recruitment - either his information was way off, the new buys have yet to arrive or their money has been badly misspent). Kariong on the comeback with victory over the rams and of course all eyes were on Terrigal v Hornsby to see where in the rugby landscape the new boys would fall. The scoreline indicates that they should be very competitive.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

http://www.northerndailyleader.com....dy-25yo-rugby-player-dies-after-match/?cs=157

 

[Inside Shoulder]

Seemed well liked.
Very sad.

 

[boyo]

MEGA GALLERY: TAS rugby carnival

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/3028130/mega-gallery-tas-rugby-carnival/?cs=472

 

[Hugh Jarse]

NSW CRU Country Championships - Bowral 2-3 May
Anyone going that can give score updates, or post photos or match reports?

BARTV will be live streaming the four finals on Sunday, 3 May 2015.

Championship draws, match times and field allocations are available on the NSWCRU webpage
http://www.nswcountryrugby.com.au/fixtures-and-results/country-championships-2015-draws

Senior Draw: http://www.nswcountryrugby.com.au/uploads/610/cc-senior-draw-2015.pdf
Colts Draw: http://www.nswcountryrugby.com.au/uploads/610/cc-colts-draw-2015.pdf
Field Allocations and Timings: http://www.nswcountryrugby.com.au/uploads/610/cc-field-allocations-match-times-2015-1-.pdf

More here:http://www.nswrugby.com.au/News/New...eID/15009/Country-Championship-Countdown.aspx

 

[Aussie D]

Central Coast Rugby Union Round 2 Results and Report
Hornsby 42 (Tevita Fangupo 2, Kelekolio Kolofale, AlexMarango, Mitch Fullager tries; Sam White 4 conversions, 3 penalty goals) d Ourimbah 38 (Tyler Jones, Brett Marchant, Caleb Pritchard,Junior Stowers, Sam Kearney tries, penalty try; Ryan Fenning 4 conversions)
After Hornsby’s loss to Terrigal last week and Ourimbah’s huge score over Northlakes, most thought this match would go Ourimbah’s way. Hornsby however, had other ideas and turned up at Ourimbah Rugby Park ready to prove they will be a force this season. It was an unsettled start to the match as both sides sized each other up, and it was Hornsby who took advantage of some early penalties their way to put points on the board. Ourimbah dominated the set play but were unable to convert this pressure into points. Hornsby’s backs once again put on a slick display and were the difference between the two sides early in the piece. Hornsby had shot off to a good lead as half-time approached, but Ourimbah scored a penalty try through their strong scrum right on half-time to grab a 19-16 lead going into the break. Hornsby had a good start to the second half, capitalising on Ourimbah errors to score multiple tries and give themselves a solid lead over the Razorbacks. Ourimbah managed to regroup quickly and some ill-discipline from the visitors saw them playing a lot of the second half with just 14 players, allowing Ourimbah back into the match but in the end, the Ourimbah efforts were not enough, and Hornsby hung on for their first win on the Central Coast. Ourimbah forwards Tyler Jones, Apisai Vatabuli, Brad Sheridan & Brett Cunningham all had strong games keeping their team on the go forward. While for the victors, prop Salesi Naitoko, lock Taniela Pifeleti & inside centre Paulo Kainga were key in their side’s historic victory.

Avoca Beach 38 (James Latham 2, Luke Sheridan, JaredFitzsimons, Justin Staben, Matt Maloney tries; Matt Maloney 4 conversions) d Woy Woy 29 (Fokolulu Taumololo 2, Mitchell Unsworth, Matt Riddle tries; Matt Riddle 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal)

Woy Woy played a wonderful first half and looked like they’d have their first win of 2015 early in the second half, when they led 29-7, but Avoca Beach had other ideas and were able to gain control of the match to run in 5 tries in 35 minutes to claim the win. Woy Woy took advantage of many Avoca errors in the first half of the match, and spread the ball wide on every turnover, posting crucial points on the board. Ill-discipline was to be the downfall of Woy Woy, who in the final stages of the match found themselves down to 13 men on the field, and this would not be enough to hold the fast finishing Avoca Beach out. Justin Staben had a great game at five-eight for the home side, using his many years of experience to successfully direct his team around the paddock.

Terrigal 26 (Ryan Metcalfe 3, Mitch Hirst tries; Adam Danckert 3 conversions) d Kariong 12 (Blake Sylvester 2 tries; Scott Hanley conversion)

By half-time, Terrigal had shot away to a 21-0 lead but Kariong were not going to go down without a fight and fought back in the second half to get into the game. Terrigal’s better structure and fitness would prove the difference. Thomas Johnston led Kariong from full-back with a strong game, but it was Terrigal who did claim a win with their lock Joe Taylor having an impressive game.

Warnervale 34 (Brenton Acreman 2, Afele Tongia 2, DavidMoala tries; Josh Rennie 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal) d The Entrance 0

It was a tight start to the match with scores locked at nil all until the 30 minute mark of the first half, when Warnervale crossed the line twice to have a 12-0 half-time lead. The game could be anyone’s and it wasn’t until late in the match that Warnervale posted the remainder of their points. Warnervale half-back, Brenton Acreman was everywhere in his side’s victory. Ben Harrison had a good game for The Entrance.

Gosford 71 (Chris Heap 2, Tim Hill, Luke Hennig, BrentonWagner, Jackson Steinbeck, Mitch Starkey,Hugo Pike, Joel Wagner, Ben Eccles, JordanFranklin tries; Tim Hill 8 conversions) d Northlakes 7 (Harry Pirini try; Matt McNair conversion)

In a one-sided match which never rose to any great standard, Gosford scored 11 tries to take themselves to the top of the table. Northlakes scored their first points of the season and never let Gosford take control of this dour match. Joel Wagner had a great game for the winners, tidying up a lot of loose ball, while flanker Harry Pirini was rewarded for his strong match for Northlakes with his side’s try.

Source: http://www.centralcoast.rugbynet.com.au/default.asp?id=208887

 

[Aussie D]

Central Coast Rugby Union Round 3 Results and Reports
Woy Woy 33 (Tevita Tangi-Noa, Fokolulu Taumololo, Siosifa Fehoko tries; Matt Riddle 3 conversions, 4 penalty goals) d Ourimbah 26 (Tyler Jones, Zane Tetevano, Matt King, Junior Stowers tries; Ryan Fenning 3 conversions)

On an absolutely perfect Central Coast day for rugby, the Premier 1 match at Ourimbah Rugby Park went as expected, down to the wire with either team looking able to claim the win. Ourimbah were able to gain some ascendency in the first half, going into the break up 19-13. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks though, Woy Woy came back in the second half and was able to get ahead in the match through the boot of Matt Riddle who did not miss a kick at goal. With Ourimbah giving away penalties in their own half, it was Riddle’s successful kicks at goal which would prove the difference. Halfback Sione Toki was outstanding for the victors, leading his team with some great individual runs. For Ourimbah, five-eight Ryan Fenning was impressive in his side’s loss. The win puts the reigning Premiers into the winner’s circle and gives them some much needed confidence, while it gives Ourimbah two losses in a row and the pressure goes back on them to stay in the Top Four.
Terrigal 26 (penalty try, Ryan Metcalfe, Tom Lowe, Adam Danckert tries; Adam Danckert 3 conversions) d Warnervale 3 (Josh Rennie penalty goal)

Terrigal ran in four tries to defeat the Wildcats and have set themselves up as the benchmark so far this season with three strong wins. Terrigal scored very early in the match and never looked back with halfback Doug Angus having a strong game alongside his two locks, Phil Heard & Joe Taylor. Warnervale were again served well by halfback Brenton Acreman who was strong in all aspects of his game and well supported by his flanker Richie Houston.
Avoca Beach 42 (Luke Sheridan, Max Stewart, Chad Martin, Matt Anderson, James Latham, Daniel Aguirre-Acevedo tries; Matt Maloney 6 conversions) d Hornsby 29 (Todd Williams, Alex Marango, Mitch Fullager, Leveni Huavi, Siani Latu tries; Sam White 2 conversions)

It was the strength & height of the Avoca Beach forward pack that proved the difference between the two sides, with the Sharks dominating the set piece all game. However, whenever the Hornsby backline got the ball they made many metres up the field and managed to score 5 tries in their loss. Avoca were bolstered with the return of lock Peter Steele and he, alongside his long-time teammates, prop Luke Sheridan & flanker Emile Thomas, had great games for Avoca. Hornsby was best served by their centre Alex Marango & Leveni Huavi, who played in nearly every backline position during the game. Avoca got away to an early 21-0 lead, but Hornsby pegged them back and even got in front 24-21, before Avoca used their forwards to give them the means to score the necessary points to grab a win.
Gosford 18 (Hugo Pike, Joel Wagner tries;
Tim Hill conversion, penalty goal; Josh Reid field goal) d Kariong 12 (Scott Hanley 4 penalty goals)

Gosford kicked an early field goal through five-eight Josh Reid, and managed to keep their noses in front until the full-time whistle blew. Only just though, with Kariong giving everything they had towards spoiling whatever Gosford threw at them. Gosford’s flanker Hugo Pike scored a good try right on half-time to give the Red Devils a 13-6 leave going into the break. Kariong pegged this back early in the second half to make the score 13-12, but after a some great defence kept Kariong tryless, Gosford were able to run in the winning try to halfback Joel Wagner. Number 8 Mitch Cornwell & centre Tim Hill were both strong for the victors, while for Kariong, five eight Scott Hanley scored all of his sides points and directed his team well.
The Entrance38 (Matt Burraston 2, Jarrod Black, Madison Sedgman, Ben Harrison, Russell Hughan tries;
Matt Burraston 4 conversions) d Northlakes 3 (Matt McNair penalty goal)

The Rams ran in 6 tries to defeat the home side. Madison Sedgman, Chris Baird & Matt Burraston all had strong games for the victors.
source: http://www.centralcoast.rugbynet.com.au/default.asp?id=209027

Worrying signs for Northlakes if the Rams (no offense intended as I am a retired Rams player) can put them away this efficiently). There has already been talk of them playing lower divisions in Newcastle which would be a shame for the Central Coast competition as IIRC Northlakes (or Wyong as they were known then) were a foundation club back in 1975. Hope they find a way out of the mire and back to where they were in the mid-90s and possibly even 1998. With people like Scott Moroney around there club I am sure they will be fine.
As to the rest of the competition it seems that 2015 is the most even competition it has been in many a year with perhaps 6 or 7 clubs in with a realistic chance of making the play-offs at this early stage of the season.

 

[Aussie D]

CCRU Round 5 Results and Reports
Gosford20 (Hugo Pike, Mitch Starkey tries; Tim Hill 2 conversions,2 penalty goals) d Avoca Beach 10 (James Latham try; Dylan Hardaker 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal)
The match was very intense and committed for the entire 80 minutes. The skill level in the very muddy conditions was excellent. Only three tries were scored in the match and they were all posted in the first 20 minutes. Gosford had the better of the territory for large parts of the game and were very strong in the set pieces. The Gosford scrum was most effective and on several occasions drove the Avoca Beach pack backwards. Avoca Beach did suffer from having players in the sin bin and this would not have helped their cause. Gosford Flanker Hugo Pike was all over the paddock and was rewarded with a try early on. Gosford then scored a second try midway through the first half when young winger Mitch Starkey made a brilliant run from well in his own half to cross for a spectacular try. Avoca Beach did reply with a try to their fullback James Latham when he crossed practically untouched. Gosford went to the halftime break leading by 14 points to 10 in what was proving a very close encounter and both teams knew a win was up for grabs. The second stanza was a real arm wrestle with no quarter asked for or given. Gosford were able to kick two penalty goals in the final 40 minutes to cement the win. One penalty was kicked early in the second half while the second was converted late in the match to confirm the victory. Best players for Gosford were five-eight Josh Reid, flanker Hugo Pike and winger Mitch Starkey. Avoca Beach was best served by loose forward Emile Thomas who was outstanding. He never stopped trying and was their standout player. He was well supported by fullback James Latham. The win sees Gosford maintain their unbeaten run and makes for a most exciting clash next week with fellow undefeated team Terrigal.
Terrigal45 (Ryan Metcalfe, Alec Herridge, Dylan Calabria,Mitch Hirst, Tom Lowe, Tim Walton tries; Adam Danckert 6 conversions, 1 penalty goal) d Woy Woy 21 (Fokolulu Taumololo 2, Sam Soane tries; Matt Riddle 3 conversions)
Terrigal got away to an outstanding start in the match. They were able to post 35 unanswered points in the first half to lead at the halftime break by 35 points to nil. Basically the match was over by then. Terrigal were excellent in the first 40 minutes with their backline proving almost unstoppable. They ran at will and were able to cross for regular tries during the first half. Woy Woy on the other hand just did not get going. The second half however saw Woy Woy make a far better effort and actually outscored Terrigal by 21 points to 10 in the second half. But it was all too late for the visitors. Best players for Terrigal were backs Alex Herridge, Tim Walton and Mitch Hirst. They all proved most effective with the ball in hand, especially in the first half. Another player to play well was prop Nathan Simpson, and halfback Liam Baker in his first top grade match was also very good. Woy Woy put in a far better effort in the second stanza where Matt Riddle and Fokolulu Taumololo were very good. Taumololo was rewarded with two personal tries.
Ourimbah66 (Brett Marchant 3, Isaac Harding-Davies 2, Alec Dark 2, Junior Stowers 2, Zane Tetevano tries; Ryan Fenning 8 conversions) d Warnervale 22(Brenton Acreman 2, Richard Houston, Brennan Wanstall tries; Jarryd Lees 1 conversion)
Warnervale opened up the scoring with a converted try but from then on it was basically all Ourimbah. Despite the game being moved from their own home ground because of the wet conditions, Ourimbah did not bear any ill effects from the change. After the initial points were scored by Warnervale, Ourimbah crossed regularly for tries during the remainder of the first half. Ourimbah had the match secure at halftime when they led by 40 points to 12. Best players for Ourimbah were No.8 Brett Marchant, who crossed for 3 tries, Zane Tetevano and Junior Stowers, who was able to cross for 2 tries as well. Ourimbah would be most pleased to get the win and to get their season back on track. Warnervale started well but could not handle the Ourimbah attack. Brenton Acreman was excellent for the home side, and was able to cross for 2 tries, while he was well assisted by Richard Houston and Keanu Ashwell.
Hornsby 52 (Todd Williams 2, Mitch Fullager, Louis Luirawalai, Matt Piukala, Ben Astley, Harry Fox tries; Sam White 7 conversions) d the Entrance 19 (Simon Tinkler 2, Luke Kirkby tries; Adam Williams 2 conversions)
It was a reasonably tight game for much of the match but it was Hornsby who broke away for what ended up a quite easy win. Hornsby did lead all match and were always that little bit more in charge. Hornsby played well in the first half to take a 28 points to 7 lead at the halftime break. However soon after the break The Entrance scored a try and this narrowed the gap and for awhile it looked like there was to be comeback from The Entrance. However Hornsby reasserted itself and took charge in the match. Hornsby crossed for 7 tries to 3 and that was a good indication of the flow of the match. Hornsby kicker Sam White was able to convert all 7 tries to achieve a perfect record for the day. Best players for Hornsby were halfback Ben Astley and hooker Todd Williams, who crossed for 2 tries. The Entrance was best served by No. 8 Simon Tinkler who never stopped trying, and was able to cross for two personal tries.
Kariong 52 (Jake Holwill 3, Alex Cowie 2, Sam Felita,
Scott Hanley, Justin Walker tries: Scott Hanley 6 conversions) d Northlakes 24 (Michael Ferry, Shae O’Brien, Rob Heads tries; Matt McNair 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
It was a good win for Kariong but it was only achieved in the second half. The first half was very even but it was Northlakes who had the better of the first 40 minutes. Northlakes played very good rugby and went to the halftime break leading by 17 points to 12. Northlakes had several good players at this stage, and these included No.8 Rob Heads, prop Michael Ferry and halfback Kiri Heke, in his first game for the club. However, in the second half, Kariong took control. They played concerted rugby and wore Northlakes down. Kariong were able to outscore Northlakes by 40 points to 7 in the second half. Best players for Kariong were flanker Damien McGovern, Jake Holwill, who crossed for 3 tries, and Alex Cowie. The win puts Kariong into equal third spot on the competition ladder and it is proving their best start to a season for quite awhile.

This is the most even season that I can recall. Great to see Northlakes score some points on the weekend, hopefully it is a sign that they have turned the corner and start to be more competitive from here on in.

As always results and reports sourced from the Central Coast Rugby Union rugby net site: http://www.centralcoast.rugbynet.com.au/default.asp?id=209144

 

[Aussie D]

The Entrance Rams and Northlakes Wallabies have decided to merge for the remainder of the season due to a lack of numbers. Both clubs are hoping to have the numbers to go on their own in 2016. I hope that the CCRU is working hard behind the scenes to ensure that this does occur. These two clubs have been languishing at the foot of the table for far too long.

 

[nick_]

Some big names playing in the Mackay semi-finals this week.

Kuttabul Camelboks includes former North Harbour age rep prop Oscar Tavalu, Tongan international Holo Taufahema ('99 RWC), Ospreys scrum half Jake Cole, Scarlets flanker Duane Eager, NQ Country captain Damo Royan and a few of the Mackay Cutters (mungoball) squad in the backs.

Bowen Mudcrabs has Rodney Blake playing.

Whitsunday Proserpine Raiders includes Welsh capped 20-test lock Brent Cockbain.

 

[boyo]

Armidale hosts NSW Country Rugby Union Championships 2016 | rolling coverage

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/s...n-championships-2016-rolling-coverage/?cs=469

 

[Pádraig Bowen]

If anyone knows players looking for a sea/tree change to the Mid North Coast? Wauchope Thunder are currently looking for senior men and women players. Club can assist with work and accommodation. Cheers

 

[tooldtoplay]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/59906115357/
Love this ad... From Lismore Rugby Club ..Byron bay International all Stars what clubs have to do to get the crowds back.