CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION – Major Semi RESULTS
Major Semi 16th August, 2025
Wyong Leagues Group Premier 1
Terrigal 33 def. Razorbacks 23
The WLG Premier 1 Major Semi-Final was a game of two halves, with the Razorbacks firing early before Terrigal showed their class to claim a 33–23 victory and secure a spot in the Grand Final.
The Razorbacks got off to a flying start, storming to a 13–0 lead after Robert Peden and Jake Hubbard crossed the line inside the opening quarter. Both tries went unconverted, but the Razorbacks had all the momentum. Their energy and accuracy at the breakdown frustrated Terrigal and allowed them to dictate the tempo.
But as often happens in finals rugby, one or two moments can change the narrative. Terrigal steadied and struck back late in the first half, with Jye Cornish scoring in the 28th minute before Reid Yarnold finished in the corner right on the stroke of halftime. Suddenly the Trojans had clawed back to trail by just one at the break, 13–12.
Both sides knew what was required in the second stanza: the Razorbacks had to tighten their fringe defence, while Terrigal needed to hold possession and build pressure across longer phases. It was Terrigal who delivered. Controlling much of the half, they pushed ahead to lead 26–18, before producing the match-defining moment, a perfectly executed set-piece lineout just 15 metres out that once again saw Cornish cross for a clinical try. That score cemented Terrigal’s victory.
For the Razorbacks, the scrum battle proved costly as the match wore on, with their early dominance fading under sustained pressure. Despite a positive 20–25 minutes in the first half, they were unable to maintain their intensity after the break.
Best on ground for Terrigal were Jayden Woolley and Tom Leslie, both superb in their work rate and impact across the field. For the Razorbacks, Alifereti Joji stood tall on the right wing, causing headaches every time he touched the ball.
It was another finals contest of high quality and fierce intensity, but Terrigal’s composure and ability to finish their chances under pressure earned them a deserved place in the Grand Final.
Premier 2
Terrigal 32 def. Avoca Beach 27
The theme of the day at Woy Woy Oval was cracking contests, and the Premier 2 Major Semi-Final between Terrigal and Avoca Beach lived right up to it. In a game that had everything; intensity, skill, and fierce local rivalry. Terrigal emerged 32–27 winners in a match that will be remembered as one of the classics of the 2025 finals.
Both sides threw absolutely everything into the contest. Avoca Beach started brightly, with Andrew Smyth and Chris Truyens making strong impacts, carrying hard through the middle and leading their side’s defensive line. Their work gave the Sharks plenty of momentum, and at different stages it looked as though Avoca might push through to take control.
But Terrigal’s response was clinical. The boot of Mitch Ryan proved a key weapon, keeping the scoreboard ticking over and ensuring the Trojans always stayed one step ahead. Their scintillating backline clicked into gear, moving the ball with pace and precision that continually asked questions of the Avoca defence.
The match swung back and forth, with tries and big moments trading hands as the crowd was treated to a genuine spectacle. In the end, Terrigal’s ability to execute under pressure and make the most of their opportunities proved the difference, holding off a late Avoca surge to seal the five-point win.
For Avoca Beach, it was a brave and committed performance that underlined the quality of their squad. For Terrigal, it was another statement in a season where they continue to prove themselves as serious contenders. This was a contest to savour. Premier 2 rugby at its very best.
Women’s Premier 1
Avoca Beach 29 def. Terrigal 20
The local derby between Avoca Beach and Terrigal delivered everything you’d expect from a finals clash;intensity, skill, and end-to-end action. In the end, Avoca Beach remained undefeated in 2025, claiming a hard-fought 29–20 victory to secure their place in the Grand Final.
It was a match where the smallest of margins mattered. Both sides crossed for four tries apiece, but the difference came down to the boot. While Terrigal were unable to convert any of their four tries, Avoca’s Jaida Staben held her nerve, landing two conversions and a crucial penalty goal that ultimately proved decisive.
The Sharks had standout performances from Priya Lama, who carried strongly and defended relentlessly, while Taylah Reihana added spark and composure across the park. For Terrigal, Katie O’Mara and Sophie Dryden shone in the backline, asking constant questions of the Avoca defence and keeping their side in the contest.
Terrigal will be proud of their effort, but a number of half-chances and missed opportunities prevented them from closing the gap. Avoca, on the other hand, will take confidence from another resilient win, though they know an even tougher challenge awaits in the Grand Final. For now, the Sharks can enjoy their derby triumph and the knowledge they remain the team to beat in 2025.
Premier 3
Avoca Beach 34 def. Warnervale 18
On a beautiful day for rugby at Woy Woy Oval, Avoca Beach booked the first spot in the Premier 3 Grand Final with a composed 34–18 win over a determined Warnervale outfit.
The match had all the hallmarks of finals footy; intensity, physical collisions, and moments of brilliance from both sides. Warnervale came into the clash full of energy and never let the Sharks settle into cruise control, pushing them hard throughout the contest. Each time Avoca scored, Warnervale found a way to hit back and keep the game alive, ensuring the contest remained in the balance deep into the second half.
But Avoca Beach’s strength this season has been their structure and routine, and it showed once more. Inside Centre Broc Hardy continued his outstanding 2025 campaign, adding to his season tally with a polished display of goal-kicking and sharp attacking contributions. His calm presence in the midfield provided Avoca with direction whenever the match looked like slipping into an arm wrestle.
The Sharks’ forward pack laid the foundation, dominating the set piece and working tirelessly at the breakdown to give their backs the clean ball they needed. Their ability to string phases together and execute under pressure saw them gradually edge away on the scoreboard. By the final whistle, Avoca had built a comfortable 34–18 margin, though Warnervale’s efforts ensured the contest never lost its spark.
For Warnervale, the defeat was no reflection of their commitment or quality, they were competitive across the park and will take plenty of positives into next week’s Preliminary Final. But it was Avoca Beach who showed the composure and big-game experience needed, extending their strong run of form and locking in a coveted place in the Grand Final at polytec Stadium in two weeks’ time.