Monday 12 th October 2009
AUCKLAND DOWN PANTHERS
Story By :
penrith.leaguenet.com.au/
Photo By :
The Penrith under 17 development squad have been defeated by Auckland under 18's in their final tour match of New Zealand by 36-28.
Despite a two try effort by big second rower Sam Hollis the boys from the foot of the mountains could not overcome the strong local team. The Panthers went into their final hit out light on for players due to various injuries. They even had to talk a local lad into playing for them!
Last game of the tour for the boys played in very cold conditions. On arriving at the ground we were met by the Lower Mountains Masters team. Penrith had a couple of players out due to injury and we had a player from New Zealand, Jeziah, playing with the Penrith team.
The Auckland team which we were lining up against was the Auckland Under 18 champions. The game was played in 2 x 40 minute halves.
Penrith opened the game with a try to Sam Hollis which was not converted. Auckland came back very strongly with three tries, two of which were converted. Just before the half time break Jake Butler-Fleming scored a try and this was converted by Harry Siejka. A great half of football with the score at half time Auckland 16 Penrith 10.
The second half saw seven tries in total scored.
The first try went to Penriths Vaipuna Tia Kirifi and was converted by Harry Siejka levelling the scores at 16 all. This was followed by another Penrith try to Keti Nanai and was again converted by Harry Siejka giving Penrith the lead at 22 16.
Auckland came back with two consecutive tries both of which were converted bringing the score to Auckland 28 Penrith 22.
It was a tough game with some hard hits and both teams controlled themselves well. Penrith hit back again with another try to Sam Hollis which was converted by Harry Siejka. The score was again level at 28 all.
The boys played a good tough hard fought game of football but the Auckland team scored two late tries which were not converted.
The final score was Auckland 36 Penrith 28.