Wyong Roos were weakened by injury and absence, but were still too good for Berkeley Vale, winning their Central Coast Division Rugby League match 36-18 under lights at Kanwal on Saturday.
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Wyong was missing four regulars including playmaker Terence Seu Seu and goal-kicking maestro Josh Mantellato.
"The teams went set for set in the early stages until the fast-moving Wyong defence pressured Berkeley Vale into error, resulting in a try to back-rower Wyatt Shaw in the eighth minute of play," Wyong football manager Stephen Marks said.
Berkeley Vale's Ben Neville speared through a hole in the Wyong right-edge defence to score in the 16th minute on the back of a 40-20 kick by co-coach Alex Moore.
"The home team's attack was less cohesive than in recent outings, able to mount pressure but lacking the execution to regularly deliver the killer blow," Marks said.
"Shaw crossed for his second in the 30th minute, followed by a solo effort from right centre Luke Dolbel in the 36th minute. Shaw grabbed a third in the 38th minute after supporting left wing Jake Scicluna on a weaving run from the Roos' 40-metre line."
Substitute kicker Mitch Williams converted all four tries.
Wyong went to the break leading 24-4.
"The visitors showed they were far from done when Alan Munro touched down soon after the restart. The conversion by Hayden Green reduced the gap to 24-10, but a scorching try to Roos five-eighth Luke Sharpe in the 58th minute put paid to any hope of a fightback," Marks said.
"Neville scored twice more to highlight some frailty in Wyong's right side defence."
The Roos remain atop the ladder, shading The Entrance on percentages.
Wyong will travel to take on fourth-placed Woy Woy, at Woy Woy Oval, this Saturday from 5.30pm.
- Pictures by lookpro.com.au