Rooster play Eagles

The Woy Woy Roosters played against the Erina Eagles at Woy Woy Oval on July 18.

"Drew Neist got the Roosters scoring underway with a nice try from a kick, which was followed by first half tries to Tim Bovis, Ryan Drew and Shay Neist," according to club president Geoff Staunton.

"The Eagles scored three tries of their own to leave the Roosters clinging to a 20-14 lead.

"The second half saw Adam Tippett and Aaron Hardman take control, laying on tries for Cheyne Hall, Matt Riddle and Alex Baxter, with Tippo scoring himself and kicking six goals.

"While still outside the five, the 44-36 win gives the Woy Woy Roosters a platform to challenge for the finals over the next month.

"Woy Woy reserve grade faced the competition leaders and gave a good account of themselves despite a 24-16 loss.

"In a tight match, Peter Benham, Ryan Wallbank and Nick Farrell were try-scorers while Dane Budd, Shane Wilson and Marc Phillips were among the Roosters best players.

"The Roosters slip outside the top three after the loss and face a tough match today against the Hawks to regain their confidence."

Mr Staunton said, in the open age division, Erina had racked up 96 points in the previous week.

"It was by no means one-way traffic though, with the Roosters playing solid football in the first half to trail 16 to eight," Mr Staunton said.

"With young Under-19s players, DJ Markham and Luke Murphy leading the way, Woy Woy kept plugging away before two late Erina tries blew the score out to 34-14.

"Given the quality of the opposition and the weakened Roosters ranks, it was a game effort from the all the players.

"The Under-19s led Erina 12-0 midway through the second half when an unfortunate injury to Erina's half back Brett Davis halted proceedings with 25 minutes remaining in the second half.

"Little play was left remaining when the lad was safely transferred to hospital.

"In the abbreviated match, Mitch Manson was again outstanding, scoring a blistering solo try, and was joined by DJ Markham and James Murphy who both had great games."

Website, 26 Jul 2010 Geoff Staunton, Woy Woy Roosters RLFC