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UNDER 17 NEW ZEALAND TOUR
The Junior Panthers opened their New Zealand tour with a hard fought win over the Wellington (Under 18s) Orcas at Upper Hutt Oval.
After being defeated last year, the Panthers were out to avenge that loss. The Orcas started strongly and dominated possession early with the assistance of a strong wind and a few mistakes by the Panthers, then went to the break leading 24 - 14. At half time, coach Dave Cartwright asked the players to work harder in defence and to dominate the tackle, put four sets back to back at the start of the 2nd half and apply pressure to the Wellington team. The boys carried out these instructions and ran in some great tries to come out winners by 46 - 24.
For the Panthers, Bryce Cartwright (Lock) and new recruit Uafa Lavaka (Centre) were outstanding. Atonio Pelesasa (Prop), having his second year in rugby league, had a great game and another new recruit Zach Hart from Goulburn (replacement 5/8) had a great second half, after scoring 2 tries. Hooker Wiki Tuavao was also prominent in a good team effort. The boys suffered no major injuries and go into the next game on Wednesday (5 October) against Rotorua full of confidence.
On Friday (7 October) the boys will play a Waikato representative team before heading home on Saturday.
The Junior Panthers opened their New Zealand tour with a hard fought win over the Wellington (Under 18s) Orcas at Upper Hutt Oval.
After being defeated last year, the Panthers were out to avenge that loss. The Orcas started strongly and dominated possession early with the assistance of a strong wind and a few mistakes by the Panthers, then went to the break leading 24 - 14. At half time, coach Dave Cartwright asked the players to work harder in defence and to dominate the tackle, put four sets back to back at the start of the 2nd half and apply pressure to the Wellington team. The boys carried out these instructions and ran in some great tries to come out winners by 46 - 24.
For the Panthers, Bryce Cartwright (Lock) and new recruit Uafa Lavaka (Centre) were outstanding. Atonio Pelesasa (Prop), having his second year in rugby league, had a great game and another new recruit Zach Hart from Goulburn (replacement 5/8) had a great second half, after scoring 2 tries. Hooker Wiki Tuavao was also prominent in a good team effort. The boys suffered no major injuries and go into the next game on Wednesday (5 October) against Rotorua full of confidence.
On Friday (7 October) the boys will play a Waikato representative team before heading home on Saturday.