Terrigal v Avoca
Fresh off their opening win of the season, Terrigal will look to make it back-to-back victories in front of a home crowd this weekend when they welcome local rivals Avoca to Duffy’s Oval for the Round 5 Match of the Round.
It hasn’t been the ideal start to 2025 for Ryan Pearce and his men. Pearce, on board as player-coach for the second straight year at Terrigal, starts the season with just one victory from three fixtures.
Pearce commented on the positives and negatives so far this season. “The opening rounds have seen some mixed results for us. We have faced some tough opponents with some mixed play styles and shapes.”
“So, recognising how to be effective against those teams is important. Where we can and will continue to improve are areas that are in our control. As a group, we are trying to be more aligned with our game plan, have everyone playing in unison and working hard for one another.”
His debut season in charge of the O’lads saw Terrigal finish the year in sixth place with a record of 8 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses.
This Terrigal side who only two years ago were playing in their third straight MPL First Grade Grand Final have gone through a tremendous amount of change in personnel in recent years.
However, a 2-1 win last weekend at Magic Round against the newly promoted Wyoming will have the squad determined to make it two in a row in this week’s derby.
“Morale after the victory in the squad is high, it’s not easy to maintain after the first two losses of the season but fighting out the win last week and getting the season on track was really important for us.”
In a battle of the beaches, Terrigal had quite the success against rivals Avoca last year, defeating the Sharks in both meetings 6-2 and 4-2.
Despite an uncharacteristic slow start from the O’lads, a win this weekend could see Terrigal go on level points with fourth place as they look to establish themselves back into the picture for finals football.
Despite welcoming a winless opposition to Duffy’s Oval, Pearce is expecting a tough battle. “I expect Avoca to be hungry for some revenge after last year’s results and eager to get some runs on the board. They have some quality players in some important positions that we need to be wary of.”
“We need to prepare well individually to put ourselves in the position to be successful. Mentally be ready to battle as I am expecting a fast and physical game. Taking our chances and being clinical in the final 3rd. It’s normally a loud and lively crowd that gives the game plenty of feeling so buying into that will make the game interesting.”
As for the opposition, last year was a year to forget for the Avoca Sharks. After only claiming 2 wins in 18 fixtures and finishing the season with 8 points, Avoca would join Woy Woy in relegation to the Men’s Division 1 competition for 2025.
However, the Sharks were handed a lifeline early this year as East Gosford were unable to field a team for the upcoming season and the Sharks, under new coach Mitch Harrison, now look to make the most of this opportunity and prove they are a team worthing of playing MPL football.
Harrison has started his tenure at Avoca with 1 draw and 2 losses. Nevertheless, their two defeats have come at the hands of tough competition, reigning Premiers Berkeley Vale and reigning League Champions Woongarrah, as they have had an extremely tough run to start 2025.
After his initial preseason in charge of this squad, Harrison spoke on the challenges of their opening fixtures as well as how the squad is as a whole.
“I’ve been really pleased with how hard the players are working for each other. We’ve been solid and organised for large periods of games. Looking forward, we need to maintain that quality for the entirety of games and not give an inch to the opposition.”
“The squad are incredibly tight-knit, with everyone pushing each other. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and we’re confident the results will start to reflect our hard work. The performances have been great, and we’re all enjoying improving as individuals and as a squad.”
Although we are only four fixtures into this competition, this will serve as Avoca’s biggest game of the season so far as they look to head to enemy territory and defeat their rivals.
Similar to most derby matches around the world, form is irrelevant and the side who wants the win most usually comes out on top. Harrison knows it will be no easy feat to prevail this weekend but hard work for his side will go a long way to claiming points.
“As local rivals, Terrigal are always up for the occasion. They often find another gear against us and they’re coming off a key win against Wyoming.”
“The key to a win this weekend will be looking to outwork Terrigal across the park and win all of our individual contests.”
Match Official – Miles Allen-Scott
All Round 5 Fixtures –
