google539b0260007444c5.html .: HPC vs Long Bay College 1st XV, August 8th, 2009 google539b0260007444c5.html

Saturday, August 8, 2009

HPC vs Long Bay College 1st XV, August 8th, 2009






Today was to be the day where a win would give us a chance of staying in contention for the semi's or a loss would put us out of the top 6 giving us no chance of having a shot at finals footy. Today it saw us up against the table toppers Long Bay College who had only lost one game this year and at home they were unbeaten. On paper all the odds were stacked heavily against us however sometimes through adversity it can bring out the best in us all, and today it sure did.
The game started with a Long Bay kick off with HATO rampaging towards the Long Bay try-line. With some great work from our back-line who in recent weeks having been slowly starting to click. A dynamic run with a good turn of pace and strong fend from Arapeta Bedggood found the hands of our right wing John Ngatai who scored in the corner within the first 2 minutes of the game. The try was converted from the side-line by Paulie Ranapia. Again HATO re-grouped and dug deep again with some great work from our formidable forward pack keeping the ball close to the ruck and showing good control and composure. A strong burst 10 metres out from the line from Vernon Isaacs-Brunning saw him take his try tally to 12 for the year. The try was converted by Arapeta. In quick succession Long Bay managed to get 2 penalty conversions which saw the score at 14-6 to HP at the break.
The 2nd half started like the first with HP firing on all cylinders our defence was unbreakable and we were able to force Long Bay in to making lots of errors consistently putting pressure on our opposition. HP emerged closer to the Long Bay 22 with our Half-back feeding the back line with a planned move from our 1st 5 Nick Poutama who was having a blinder taking charge and leading by example. The ball passed through the hands of our backs and found Steven Davis with a good off load from our centre Tukairangi, the try was converted in the corner. With 5 minutes left on the clock Long Bay scored a soft try off a penalty tap catching us off guard whilst were going back our 10 metres. The final score was 22-11 to HP.
For us this was a game played with true wairua, kaha, ihi and mana. It was all of the above and it took a team effort to achieve this wonderful win. We are so proud of our boys and they showed that through all the adversity we can overcome the odds by making the impossible possible and today the team showed that.
Next weekend sees us up against Kaipara College at home which is a sudden death game with the winner going through to the semis. We hope to see all the kura, staff, whanau, old boys, students and friends at the game this Saturday at PETERA at 12pm!!! Please come down and tautoko, THE BROTHERHOOD...

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