Lions Reserves make grand final

Woy Woy Lions Reserve grade side, by virtue of a gritty win over minor premiers Ourimbah, has made the grand final for the first time in over 20 years.

This is a great result for coach, John Stokie, and his many former juniors who returned to the club this year.

In 2015 the club struggled to field a competitive reserve grade team.

By contrast, the 2016 team has been the most successful and the most disciplined.

Most players are very young and if John can keep them together many will challenge for first grade spots in 2017.

The Firsts again had a good season, making the final four for the third consecutive time, though unable to match their efforts in the previous two years, when they were premiers in 2014 and runners-up in 2015.

The team was disappointed to lose a very close semi-final, particularly as they were the only side to beat Terrigal during the year.

The Thirds, runners-up last year, made the semi-finals again, completing the most successful effort across all grade since the 1990s.

Club president Brian Macauley spoke glowingly of the club's efforts: "Our recent aim has been to build competitive teams in all grades.

"Over the past three seasons we have achieved exactly that," he said.

"Don't forget we did not win a game in any grade in 2013.

"It is a credit to all concerned, players, coaches and volunteers, that we have turned things around so quickly.

"There is real harmony within the club, both at senior and junior level.

"We are a club attracting players as well as producing them.

"Our juniors are among the strongest in the competition.

"We are very also pleased to be playing at the best venue in the Central Coast and already planning for 2017.

"I have every reason to believe our success will continue to grow."

Email, 1 Sep 2016

Peter Fenton, Woy Woy Lions RUC