Today was a make or break game for the 1st with both teams tied equal on the table and a win would push us nearer to a finals spot with 3 games remaining. We knew that as a team we had to win and gain some respect back after our disappointing loss to Kristen earlier on in the week.The game was at home in front of a big crowd and both teams were eager to show some form and good rugby in front of their loyal followers and supporters.
The game started off slow for HP with Birkenhead giving it to us in the forwards with some strong runs from their number 8, trying to break the advantage line. HP tackled fiercely but were penalised in our own 22 for an offside offense. Birkenhead quickly converted the penalty bringing the score to a 3-nil lead to the visitors. Firm instructions were given and could be heard as if it was a trumpet sounding from both Coaches. We quickly gathered our forwards and proceeded to drive forward with some great pick and go work from our loosies Joshua Frazer and Paulie Ranapia. They were supported well with some quick burst runs off the ruck form our dynamic half-back Quinten Heka. Always probing and threatening the defence catching our visitors napping with some storming runs. Our big and strong Tighthead Prop Vernon Isaacs-Brunning gathered the ball and stormed ahead towards the try line taking four defenders with him to score the first of his 2 tries. Nick Poutama converted. Vernon followed this up in the same fashion busting through the Birkenhead defence to bring his try tally up for the year to 11 tries. However what shortly followed was to be the try of the year. Again our forwards dominated the break down and fed our backs good ball with quick hands across the field. A planned move from 40 metres out saw all of the Hato backs touch the ball, drawing and precise passing and good line running finding the hands of our winger Alister Morris. The crowd went crazy and even the Birkenhead supporters applauded this great effort. The half-time score was 17-3 to HP.
The 2nd half started slow for us with some ill discipline and macho issues starting to creep in to our plays and we paid the price. Birkenhead scored 2 quick soft tries in a matter of 10 minutes due to some poor errors and mistakes. However the boys managed to move on and pull their heads in and again our backs fired with a strong break and run from centre Tukairangi Maxwell which saw Alister Morris score in the corner. We then managed to gain some momentum which saw a break from Ardi Mahu who fed inside to Joshuna Frazer to score. Nick Poutama converted. Birkenhead never gave up and managed to claw their way back in with a try on the final whistle bringing the final score to 31-20 to HP. A disappointing way to finish the game however the boys showed true character and we will gladly take the 5 points away with us.
We must thank all our boys from Kura for their support with the barracks and chants on the side-line! Way to go boys hearty win and well deserved one i must say!
No comments:
Post a Comment