Roosters keep prospects alive

Woy Woy Roosters first grade kept its top three prospects alive with a stirring 33 to 26 win over the Northern Lakes Warriors at Woy Woy Oval on August 8.

Sitting in equal fifth place, the Roosters desperately needed a win over the third placed Warriors to springboard their campaign for a top three spot.

However, it was the Warriors who started the better crossing for a try to lead six to nil before the Roosters touched the ball.

"Woy Woy hit back to level the scores following a brilliant leap by centre Shay Neist, which resulted in a seventh minute try off a pinpoint accurate kick from Adam Tippett," club president Mr Geoff Staunton said.

"This bought the scores level at six apiece as both forward packs tried to get on top.

"Skilful Northern Lakes centre Dean Wendt crossed for two tries before the break as the Roosters struggled to keep up with the Warriors out wide.

"Down 14 to six at half time, Woy Woy looked flat, and while only eight points adrift would have to lift to challenge the visitors.

"And lift they did.

"With inspirational front rowers Jade Mason and Geoff Wilkin charging into the Northern Lakes pack, the Roosters chanced their arm with tries to Tippett and speedy centre Ryan Drew giving the home side an unlikely 16 to 14 lead only four minutes into the second half."

Mr Staunton said the Warriors hit back soon after to gain the lead.

"But a further touch of brilliance from Shay Neist for his second try, and further four pointers to Aaron Hardman and Ryan Drew looked to have secured the win before Adam Tippett as cool as you like potted a field goal with three minutes remaining," Mr Staunton said.

"With a seven point buffer the Roosters cruised to a win and sit in clear fifth spot with two games remaining.

"Victories in the final two home games against Terrigal and Toukley will give Woy Woy every opportunity to claim a top three spot if results in other games are favourable.

"Today against Northern Lakes Geoff Wilkin, Jade Mason and Aaron Hardman led the forwards brilliantly, which enabled speedy Roosters backs Matt Riddle, Ryan Drew, Shay Neist and Adam Howe to do their thing.

"But it was the little general Adam Tippett who rose to the second half challenge, rousting and cajoling everything out of his team mates in easily his finest performance in the Roosters strip."

Website, 8 Aug 2010 Geoff Staunton, Woy Woy RLFC