Match Report: Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final
Macarthur Wests Tigers have suffered a 20-12 loss to the Central Coast Roosters in Grand Final of the Under 16s Andrew Johns Cup.
The Tigers – who were the best defensive team in the competition – staged a brave fightback in Cessnock running in two late tries after trailing 20-nil.
The Roosters opened the scoring two minutes into the game through right winger Semi Leweniqila.
It was twenty minutes before the next points were scored as both teams traded set for set.
The Roosters scored their second try five minutes from half time when giant-sized forward Blessing Foini crashed over from close range to make it 12-nil at the break.
Foini then laid the platform for the Roosters next try seven minutes into the second period with a barging run through the middle. Five-eighth Jack Dean-Potaka then split the Tigers defence on the short side to extend the lead out to 16-nil.
The Tigers were again camped on their own line following back to back penalties before being caught for numbers on the right, allowing right centre Koby Houghton to cross untouched.
Down 20-nil with six minutes to play, the Tigers fightback began.
A sweeping play to the right saw speedy fullback Ronel Ribucan score in the corner to make it 20-6
The Macarthur boys were in again on the very next set when left winger Mawin Tema Soaai made a nice break down the left edge before captain Brock Achurch finished it off to score a length of the field try.
Despite a strong finish to the game, the Roosters held on to win 20-12 and claim back to back titles in the Andrew Johns Cup, their third overall.
