CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION PREVIEW
SATURDAY, 21st APRIL, 2012
ROUND 2
The Match of the Round sees Terrigal travel to Gosford Showground to take on Gosford in what shapes as a very interesting game of rugby. Gosford will go into this clash as slight favourites based on the performances last week but the matches between these two clubs are always very tight.
Gosford were winners last week but it was only in the last 10 minutes of the match that the result was cemented. Terrigal were never going to defeat Kariong last week so will be most keen to get a win this week. Gosford will rely on a steady forward pack with flanker Andrew Moseley starting the season in good form, and with lock Luke Henig also playing well last week. Terrigal have several new faces in their line-up this year so it will take quite a few games to get the combinations right. But this applies to most teams during the early part of the season. So a result either way would not surprise. Terrigal Coach Mark Grills will know what to work on from last week’s performance and Adam Carlisle from Gosford would know what he has to do with his team as well.
Another very interesting game will be at Slade Park when Avoca Beach travel north to meet Northlakes. Northlakes played well last week for much of the game and only faded on the scoreboard in the dying stages. Avoca Beach did not have it all their own way last Saturday before defeating Woy Woy and will not find the trip to Northlakes any easier. Avoca Beach have several injury concerns at present and this will not help their cause. Northlakes would have taken a lot out of their game last week and will be well prepared for this game on Saturday.
Ourimbah are at home for their opening game of the season and play The Entrance at Ourimbah Rugby Park. The Entrance had their chances last week and led at halftime in that game. They will take a lot of heart from that and will give Ourimbah a tough week out in the home side’s first hit out of the season. One would think Ourimbah would be favourites in this game based on last year’s performances plus the fact that they are at home, but early in the season one never knows.
Warnervale are at home and meet Woy Woy at Woongarrah Oval. Woy Woy were very committed last week and will definitely push the Warnervale outfit for the full 80 minutes. Warnervale took their time to get control of the game last week against The Entrance and it was close win. They will have to play much better than that if they are to extend Woy Woy at home. This game, because it is early season, holds much interest and a result could go either way. All coaches know that wins in the early part of the season are so vital so they can get their respective teams on their winning ways.