The Central Coast Roosters defeated the Macarthur Wests Tigers 20–12 in the Under 16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final.
After falling behind 20-nil, the Tigers, who had the greatest defense in the league, bravely rallied in Cessnock, rushing in two final tries.
As both sides traded sets, it took twenty minutes for the next points to be scored.
Five minutes before halftime, the Roosters’ second try was scored when their enormous forward Blessing Foini went over from close range, making the score 12-nil at the break.
After that, seven minutes into the second quarter, Foini set the stage for the Roosters’ next attempt with a strong run through the middle. Jack Dean-Potaka, a five-eighth, then split the Tigers defense on the short side to increase the margin to 16 points.
After consecutive penalties, the Tigers were once more positioned on their own line. However, they were spotted for numbers on the right, which let right center Koby Houghton to cross unopposed.
With six minutes remaining, the Tigers went on the attack, behind 20 to 0.
Fast fullback Ronel Ribucan scored in the corner following a sweeping play to the right, making the score 20–6.
After left winger Mawin Tema Soaai made a wonderful break down the left edge and skipper Brock Achurch completed it to score a length of the field try, the Macarthur boys were in again on the very next set.
The Roosters persevered to win 20-12 and won the Andrew Johns Cup back-to-back, their third overall, despite a strong finish to the game.
