1st grade Vs Kariong 16th July 2011

MATCH REVIEW

1^st Grade VS KARIONG Saturday 16^TH July 2011 at KARIONG

Result : Avoca 17 Kariong 32

Well it was a grand final replay and with Kariong getting the honours in round one we were looking for revenge. The day dawned cold and overcast which seems to be the norm up there.

Super 15 Referee Nathan Pierce was a welcome breath of fresh air on the scene and he made for a fast game where certain people were made to play by the rules for a change

Without Speedy ,Jimmy and Dan we were a bit light on out wide but congratulations to those who came up from 2^nd grade especially Tom Russell who was courageous in all aspects at fullback. Well done Tommy !

In the first half we were over the line 3 times but ruled held up and dominated territory. However at lemons we were down 10-0. Our forwards were always on top but we could not get over the line and counter attacks by Kariong saw them score tries

Aided by 2 length of the field intercept tries the final score was 32-17. In the 2^nd half we fought back well and at 25-17 it look like we could do it but the final intercept try did the damage

The Sheridan brothers had a big day out with a try each and Captain Stretch was his usual formidable self. Oatie put on and took some big hits whilst Conan who should have got points and players player (NSW Electoral Council are looking at the ballot papers) was in the thick of things.

Still with this week a bye we remain on top of the table and with many to return we will present stronger in the semis

Cheers Boys

The Management

Points

Tries

One each to the Sheridan boys and one to Liam Meadham coming on as a replacement

Conversions 1 x Tom Russell

Best & Fairest

3) Bradd Sheridan

2) Luke Sheridan

1) Fuz

Players’ player Bradd Sheridan

1st grade Vs Ourimbah 9th July 2011

MATCH REVIEW

1^st Grade VS Ourimbah Saturday 9^th July 2011 at Ourimbah Rugby Park

Result : Avoca 35 Ourimbah 10

It was always going to be tough with a number of players out through injury and other commitments

Some missed opportunities early saw it close at half time. Young Josh Meadham made a good debut at hooker whilst the twins Dave & Dan were solid in the centres

Ando scored a good try off a set move with Speedy keeping the enemy at bay with accurate goal kicking

Hard to go past Jumbo/s 30 meter effort for a 5 pointer as the main contender for prop's try of the year

The 2^nd half saw us reduce the errors and we kicked away to a good lead.

Juice came on for an injured Wes Tancred and despite a full game in 2nds was able to give the scrum strength. Young Sherry continued his good form and with the trio of Conan/Stretch & Oatie backing him up our forwards got on top.

Fuz’s field goal attempt led to our 4^th try when Stretch followed through to pluck the ball off the crossbar and slam it down under the post. Once again a bonus point to increase our standing at the top of the table.

In all a good club effort and congratulations to 2nds who held out for a draw despite some players having to back up from 3rds. An undermanned 3rds went down 21-7 and as the referee gave Ourimbah 14 points due to what only could be called “interesting decisions” it was good effort that went unrewarded

Next week its Kariong away

Cheers Boys

The Management

Points

Tries 1 each to Speedy , Jumbo, Stretch and Ando

Conversions 3 x Speedy

Penalties 3 x Speedy

Best & Fairest

3) Stretch

2) Speedy

1) Young Sherry Players’ player Stretch

1st Grade Vs Gosford 2nd Round

MATCH REVIEW

1^st Grade VS Gosford Saturday 2^nd July 2011 at the SHARKPOOL

Result : Avoca 32 Gosford 29

The stage was set for a big match. No excuses on missing players with a fine and sunny day watched by a big crowd

The battle for no 1 spot was on and with wins in 3rds and 2nds it was all set for the 2011 clash of the titans. Reved up by Coach Stewart and the Jason Donovan look alike Todd (Kylie) Petrie the team was ready to rock.

Despite getting first blood from a Sherry special converted by Speedy and a penalty by half time we were down 26-10 aided by a Gosford penalty count that gave them plenty of shots at the sticks

Captain Stretch and the boys were confident they could turn things around and from the kick off we went on the attack. Led by the roar of Dave Horton and the solid performance of our forwards we added tries from the Fuz and with one of sheer brilliance from speedy in the corner the score was 26-25 with under 7 minutes to go

Sherry scored to win the game but the referee after awarding the try changed his mind and disallowed it. The howls of the Avoca supporters will be still ringing in his ears as we write this.

Gosford got back into our half and a long range penalty saw them 29-26 with the Red Devils celebrating the win. From the kick off we drove into their half and aided by a penalty we went to the line out. Won by Stretch we rucked it wide and attacked near the posts. Horton drifted wide from a ruck and turned the ball back inside to a rampaging Sherry who crashed over near the posts. Avoca wins ! Speedy converted , the whistle went and justice was done !

All played well but once again the Sheridan brothers were in the thick of it and by the 2^nd half our scrum was taking the Gosford 8 apart. Congratulations to Wes Tancred getting his first run on in 1^st grade. An achievement even more remarkable given he was declared clinically deaf after spending his childhood sharing a room with brother Murray and lying awake all night listening to Murray talk at a high decibel range in his sleep. Dave Horton showed his class whilst Dan was once again strong in the middle

Next week its Ourimbah at Ourimbah

Cheers Boys

The Management

Tries Sherry x 2, Speedy 1, Fuz 1

Conversions : Speedy x 3

Penalty Goals Speedy x 2

Best & Fairest

3 Dave Horton

2 Oatie

1 Fuz

Players Player Dave Horton (Conan was a close 2^nd)