CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
GRAND FINAL
INDUSTREE GROUP STADIUM
SATURDAY, 24th AUGUST, 2024
PREMIER 1
Terrigal 20
Frankie Webber, Josh Vainikolo tries;
Adam Danckert 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals
defeated
Avoca Beach 16
Michael Houssenloge, Alex Halls tries;
Fionn Henderson-Foley 2 penalty goals
PREMIER 2
Terrigal 29
Will Shipton, Salipopo Pamata, Joe Gatt, Campbell Gray tries
Reid Yarnold 1 penalty goal, 3 conversions
defeated
Avoca Beach 5
Kaya Ardita try
PRESIDENT’S CUP
The Lakes 12
Manasu Ralulu, Jason Kakato tries;
Logan Hemopo 1 conversion
drew with
Terrigal 12
Bailey Platt, Nick Armstrong tries;
Nick Armstrong 1 conversion
WOMEN’S 12’s
Lake Macquarie 31
Stephanie Osasa, Kirstie Lawson, Terina Haami, Georgia Opetaia, Aurelia Taylor tries;
Kirstie Lawson 3 conversions
defeated
Avoca Beach 14
Amalia Casey, Jaida Staben tries;
Jaida Staben 2 conversions
REPORT :
The 2024 Grand Final day at Industree Group Stadium saw some wonderful games of rugby. It proved to be a great day of rugby, with matches played in excellent weather conditions. Obviously on the day there were great celebrations but also much disappointment of getting so close to victory.
In the Premier 1 Grand Final Terrigal hung on to record a Premiership victory, defeating Avoca Beach by the narrow margin of 20 points to 16. The match was tight throughout, and it went point for point for the entire 80 minutes, with neither team able to take a decisive break on the other team on the scoreboard. Both teams found it very difficult to post points because of great defence from both sides. It proved to be a very dour struggle from start to finish. The opening stages of the match saw both teams having chances to post points but it was not until the 19th minute of the first half that the first points were posted. Terrigal crossed for a try when five-eight Adam Danckert threw a great inside pass to winger Frankie Webber who crossed under the posts. The conversion saw Terrigal take an early 7 points to nil lead. It was not long too long after that, Avoca Beach secured their first points when they kicked a penalty goal to make the score 7 points to 3. This remained the score until just before halftime when Avoca Beach kicked their second penalty goal to make the score at the halftime break Terrigal 7 Avoca Beach 6. The match was certainly there for the taking as both teams headed to the second half. Terrigal increased their lead in the 12th minute of the second half when they kicked a penalty goal to lead 10 points to 6. This lead was further increased in the 20th minute when another penalty kick was posted. Terrigal had gone to a 13 points to 6 lead but both teams were still definitely in the fight. The match really did tighten up in the 26th minute of the second half when Avoca Beach crossed for their first try to reduce the Terrigal lead. Terrigal led by 13 points to 11 and the tension on the paddock, and in the crowd, was immense. Terrigal took a vital leap forward with 5 minutes to go when they crossed for their second try. They had taken a 20 points to 11 lead. Just when they thought they were safe, Avoca Beach responded quickly. They crossed for their second try and suddenly the tension was mounting again. The score was Terrigal 20 Avoca Beach 16 and both teams threw everything at the final few minutes. However, it was Terrigal who held on for victory. Terrigal had some great players on the day. Five-eight Adam Danckert was outstanding, as was lock Isaac Riviere, halfback Jye Cornish and centre Jake Farnworth. Avoca Beach were best served by hooker Cooper Elliott, centre Alex Halls and winger Michael Houssenloge. Terrigal had secured both the Minor and Major Premierships, and had gone through the season undefeated. The WLG Premier 1 Grand Final proved an exhilarating way to conclude the 2024 Central Coast Rugby Union season.
Terrigal secured a comfortable victory in the Premier 2 Grand Final when they defeated Avoca Beach by 29 points to 5. The first half was quite an even struggle. Terrigal had the better of the territory in the first half but at the halftime break Terrigal only led by 10 points to 5. However, the second half was dominated by the Terrigal team. Their forward pack was strong causing the Avoca Beach scrum many issues. Best players for Terrigal were prop Antonio Cunha, and flankers Will Shipton and Noah Hughes, while halfback Liam Davies proved strong for Avoca Beach. Terrigal had secured the Premier 2 Premiership, putting on a great display of Grant Final rugby.
The President’s Cup Grand Final saw the two teams, The Lakes and Terrigal, share the Premiership. The two teams were locked at 12 points apiece after extra time so the two teams were declared Joint Premiers for 2024. The Lakes opened the scoring early on with a try. This 5 nil lead remained the score until halftime. It was typical President Cup Grand Final rugby – dour, low scoring, and intense. The 5 nil score remained the situation for quite a while until Terrigal responded with their own try. The scores were locked at 12 all at fulltime. Extra time was intense. Terrigal score a converted try in the first half of extra time to lead by 12 points to 5 at the break. The Lakes were able to put their name on the trophy as well when they crossed for a converted try right in fulltime. Both teams had gained a Premiership with the 12 all draw.
The Women’s 12’s Grand Final saw Lake Macquarie record a 31 points to 14 victory over Avoca Beach. Lake Macquarie opened the scoring with a converted try, and this was followed by a further try during the first half. Lake Macquarie were playing controlled rugby, and they dominated possession for much of the first half. Lake Macquarie led by 12 points to nil at the halftime break. It was to prove a very handy lead. Lake Macquarie continued to control proceedings and it was not long before they had jumped to a 31 points to nil lead. Avoca Beach crossed for late tries but Lake Macquarie had claimed the Women’s 12’s Premiership for 2024.