Illawarriors Close In On Country Cup

Illawarra Mercury

Monday March 10, 2008

By MIKE DRISCOLL

ILLAWARRA are looking to book a spot in the Country Cup rugby union final by beating winless Central West in Parkes this weekend, following a gutsy 23-17 win over Hunter at Ocean Park on Saturday.

Illawarriors fullback Dwayne De Vries scored the match-sealing try four minutes from full-time after the home side trailed 10-5 at half-time and 17-15 midway through the second half.

The win leaves Illawarra on five points, after gaining a bonus point in a 20-17 loss to defending champions Central Coast in the opening round.

Defending Country Cup champions Central Coast made it two straight wins by beating Central West last Saturday to book their spot in the final.

The Illawarriors know a bonus point win over Central West this Saturday should be enough to earn a spot in the final, with Hunter - who are also on five points - having the tougher final round clash against southern neighbour Central Coast.

"Our destiny is just about in our hands now," Illawarra coach Sean Barrett said.

"We've got to go to Parkes and win. If we can pick up the four points for a win that leaves us on nine and we'll see what happens with Hunter.

"We've put ourselves in the frame and now have to capitalise on it."

Adding merit to the Illawarriors' win over Hunter was the loss of tighthead prop James Patrick with a back injury in the first five minutes. The tough prop copped a knock in a tackle and won't play against Central West.

"It wasn't the start we needed, having to go to the bench so early but everyone rallied and took it up to what is a strong Hunter pack," Barrett said.

Illawarra scored first through winger Chris Jack before Hunter rallied with a converted try and a penalty goal to lead 10-5 at halftime.

Tim Olsen had a powerhouse game at No 8 for Illawarra and crashed over for a try as Illawarra led 15-10 early in the second half.

A second Hunter try had the visitors ahead 17-15 before the home side took a 18-17 lead with a penalty goal.

Then, in the final few minutes, a Scott Morgan kick was regathered by Jack leading to fullback De Vries scoring.

Barrett praised twins Chris and Paul Tausala for their hard running which led to a number of breaks, while Olsen was tireless in the forwards and Jack outstanding, scoring a try and playing a key role in another.

There was no good news, however, for the Illawarra under 19s, outclassed 49-0 by Hunter in a surprise result.

Illawarra won their opening round 52-5 against Central Coast but were no match for their Novocastrian rivals.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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