2002 Grand Final
Central Coast Division Rugby League 2002 Grand Final Winners
Cool Roos do the job |
Centre: Wyong captain-coach Troy
Pezet hoists the premiership cup, atop shoulders. Inset: Winger
Kevin Turkington signals a Roos’ victory after his try on
Sunday.
THE ENTRANCE niggled but Wyong was unshakable in winning the Carlton VB rugby league grand final 22-8 at NorthPower Stadium on Sunday 1st September.
It was the Roos’ first premiership since 1997, and a second consecutive grand final loss for the Tigers. It was almost an uncharacteristic performance from Wyong who have been prone to faltering at the final hurdle. But on Sunday, the Roos were cool-headed and methodical. Each player knew his role and played it accordingly, and patiently.
In contrast, The Entrance appeared
out of sorts and out of shape from the start. Frustrated by
Wyong’s completion rate and effective kicking game, the minor
premiers were undisciplined.
Penalty goals to fullback Dean Amos sent the Roos to a 4-nil lead
midway through the first stanza. Wyong added a further four points
when halfback Jason Cashin sent wide-running backrower Rod Bird
through a hole, to score out wide five minutes later.
Referee Peter Betts then dismissed Entrance captain Jamy Forbes for
a high tackle on lock Dave Lawton. Amos duly posted another two
points.
And things only got worse for the
Tigers after the break. Wyong five-eighth Matt Ross kicked through
a loose ball, and won the race to touch down on the left-hand
flank.
Amos converted then had a hand in the next try soon after, when he
looped a long ball to winger Kevin Turkington who sprinted 15m to
cross.
Wyong interchange forward Chris
Unger was sent off by Mr Betts after a fight broke out in a scrum
with 15 minutes left on the clock. The Entrance rallied to score
twice through wingers Ryan Wheele and Brian Rees, but the game was
gone.
Second-rower Danny Sommerville was adjudged Man of the Match, while
Cashin, hooker Nathan Allsop, and lock Dave Lawton were also
outstanding for the Roos.
The Roos won premierships in three grades, beating The Entrance 16-14 in reserve grade, and 31-26 following extra time in the U/19s. The only loss of the day occurred when Ourimbah outpointed Wyong 24-10 in the U/17s.
This completes a great year for the Wyong club, having also won the Country Challenge Cup 28-24 over the Tweed Heads Seagulls on 6th April.
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