Woongarrah v East Gosford
It comes down to the final day for both these sides at the opposite ends of the ladder. Woongarrah are just one win away from history and being crowned 2024 MPL First Grade League Champions, while East Gosford’s fight to avoid relegation rests in their hands when they travel to Hamlyn Terrace this Sunday.
Similar to the year they had in 2019 when Woongarrah were promoted for the first time in the club’s history to MPL, Luke Rogers and his men have made their mark on the competition.
Back in 2019, Woongarrah finished third but entered that last round fixture on top of the table as they will five years later in the last round of the 2024 season. Very similar to 2019 also, three teams could all finish in first place heading into the final round as Berkeley Vale and Kanwal can both clinch the title of League Champions from Woongarrah if results go their way.
Now in an extremely similar position, Rogers will be looking to make amends for that season where they let the title slip by being crowned champions in front of a home crowd at Hamlyn Terrace.
Leading up to this match of the round fixture, Rogers answered if he envisioned this success when they got promoted last season. “When we got promoted a year ago I wouldn’t say I envisioned it, especially with some great teams and coaches we would be up against.”
“However, it was definitely the goal, and I’ve always had faith in the playing group and coaching staff that we could achieve it if we performed to the best of our abilities.”
Rogers also commented on what victory and the league title would mean to him, the players, and the club. “To secure the league championship would be phenomenal.”
“It would mean a great deal to everyone involved if this is to happen. It would be a first for the club. We still have a game to go, so we haven’t won it yet but hopefully, it will come to fruition on Sunday.”
With plenty on the line for both teams ahead of this clash, Woongarrah will look towards their experienced veterans to keep a cool head as they anticipate an extremely energetic East Gosford side.
In their last two wins, Woongarrah have proved they can win in multiple ways having defeated last year’s two grand finalists in back-to-back weeks.
Their dominant 7-1 victory over Terrigal marked their biggest win of the season, the Wildcats then followed that up with a close 1-0 victory over seven-time champions Killarney, putting an end to their hopes of playing finals in 2024.
With momentum well on their side, Rogers stated his side must prepare for an eager opponent if they wish to have any success against the Rams.
“East Gosford are a good young side, very quick and move the ball around well. To get the three points we are going to have to match their energy and stick to our game plan.”
The Rams travel to enemy territory this Sunday with a determination within the squad to prove why they deserve to remain in the top-flight competition on the Central Coast in 2025.
It had been a far-from-ideal year for Troy Yard in his first season as head coach but despite finding himself in a relegation battle, Ward states he wouldn’t change a thing and has enjoyed all of the highs and lows the season has brought.
“I’ve found my inaugural season as a head coach challenging and rewarding but I’ve loved every minute of it. The highs, the lows, the ups and the downs. I’ve experienced every emotion this year. That’s what it’s all about.”
East Gosford enters the weekend with 17 more club championship points than Avoca and could wrap up safety before first grade even kick-off. If they are successful in avoiding relegation, Ward voiced it will be a much-deserved ending to their season.
“Getting results for us this weekend is massive. For me, it’ll be a relief for my players. They’ve worked their butts off and deserve so much more than our current position. For the players, it would be the ultimate reward.”
“We started back in November last year and consistently had well over 30 players in attendance every training session since then. It’s always been their goal to stay up so it would be great for them. For the club, it’s also important. We’ve been up and down but ultimately we are a proud premier league club and by staying up it will encourage our juniors below us to work hard knowing there is a pathway to premier league football within our club.”
Despite getting handed a 5-0 defeat in first grade at home last weekend against Berkeley Vale, East Gosford elected to field a younger, less experienced side in that fixture as they looked for vital points in lower grades.
Dropping their usual First Graders allowed the Rams to secure a win in U21’s and split the points with the Wombats in Reserve Grade. If the Rams decide to do that again this weekend and pick up the same results, Avoca will be the other side joining Woy Woy to be demoted to Division 1 in 2025.
“To get the points this weekend we’ve already begun the process. High-intensity training focussing on the areas we need to adjust to match the speed they like to play. Every single member of our squad will be raring and ready to go,” stated Ward.
“We learnt that Woongarrah have talent right across the field and you can’t give them an inch. They play a fast-flowing brand of football so we will need to match up to them.”
“With players returning that were absent last week, we have plenty of cattle at hand and I don’t need to fire them up as they know the importance of the day. We need to bring our fighting spirit and a never-say-die attitude and I’m confident they will.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
All Round 18 Fixtures –
