ripper73 said:
That was the NZ Residents like 3 years ago!!! Yet again this is about the rapied growth of rugby league...you keep going back to the past and im talking about how fast the sport is growing in NZ So you are saying that if the pick an NPC team with no all blacks to go play England they wont get thrashed?? yeah right!! Look at the barbariens they got hammered and they are ex all black
Gte your facts right. The Baa Baas team was meant to be our NZ A team.
It was an NZ D Team.
There were 11 players who are classified as Fringe All Blacks who shouldve been in there, Merthens, Nonu, Atiga, Holah, Soaialo, Braid, Cullen, Carter, Maxwell are just a few who shouldve been in there for it to be A true NZ Baa Baa's game.
Mate you should really read stuff before you write things, I didnt even say that was NZ A about the Baa Baas....NZ Residents in League is just that! Like a C or maybe D side.....before you start calling people Idiot's you should read things aye???
All I was saying was that if an NPC selected side that hasent played for the All Blacks played England today they would get thumped by 100 points. Because look at the Baa Baas, they are ex all blacks and they still got thumped by England. The other guy talked about when the NZ Residents played Australia and lost by 100 points back in 1999. Im sorry but i cant find any info about that game.
Te Kaha here is the info about the crowd figures fior the wellington comp, only some have figures..
UNIVERSITY 18
Tries: Rekene Skeggs, Milton Weston, Henry Heke
Goals: Rekene Skeggs 1, Tui Matawalu 2 gls
defeated UPPER HUTT 16
Tries: Leighton Brightwell, Tu Kingi, Daniel Potter
Goals: Rocky Lake 2 gls
Venue: Whakatiki Street
Crowd: 150
Date: Sat Apr 12 2.30 pm
Referee: Allan Prentice
Half time: 12-6 Upper Hutt
Match Comments: LAST MINUTE EFFORT GIVES HUNTERS THE POINTS A missed conversion in front of the posts cost Upper Hutt dearly in their first round Mulqueen Shield clash with University at Whakatiki Street. Varisty opened the scoring in the 8th minute after finally winning some possession and both sides showing some good early ball skills. In the 18th minute and the Tigers were scrumming in front of their own posts and broke away down field. They easily outflanked the Varsity left side defence and scored behind the posts. The conversion missed and hit the upright! In the 27th minute the Tigers showed some great counter attacking skills and went the length of the field to score on the left wing. Although both sides were guilty of wasting chances, the homeside had detected a weakness on University right side and were seemingly pushing their numbers that way. The students were committing a number of handling errors, some in point scoring positions and one in particular, when they had no defence to stop them! Just prior to the break the Tigers again attacked the vulnerable Varisty left defence, and pulled play back wide to bomb the right corner and score. The Tigers had scored 3 unconverted tries in the first half to lead 12-6 at the break but the second half started badly with both sides having players in the sin bin. In the first minute of the restart the Varisty five eighth dealt a high tackle then attacked the player on the ground for the first bin, which resulted in a kickable goal for Lake to push the Tigers out to 14-6. And although the students scored not long after with 12 men to restore a 14-12 margin, an Upper Hutt player repaid the head high on one of the Kingi brothers with a nice coathanger on a student. Sin bin 2! For the next 20 minutes, and the scores only 2 points different, the game see-sawed on Whakatiki with some outstanding scrambling defence from both sides, but to be fair their was more bad handling at important times and some of the options taken issed out on some glaring try scoring chances. Surprisingly there was a tight head taken in a scrum, and a try-scoring bomb was missed. Frustration began to show in some of the students when in the 30th minute, consecutive penalties in defence gifted Lake with his second goal to give the Tigers some breathing space, albeit 4 points and 10 to go. However in the last 10 minutes of the game, the young Hutt side were showing some amazing courage on defence holding back wave after wave of University Heke and brothers Nathan and Mike Batchelor were the pick of the students in defence, although it took a rugged team effort to finally break the Tigers defence. Hutt coach, Ron Hohua was happy with his teams performance especially on defence with Leighton Brightwell at hooker and young looseforward Daniel Potter outstanding. A story to come out of the injury list of the Tigers, and reflects what everyone is cooping at the Hutt Hospital A & E. When the first of the Kingi brothers was taken to hospital, he was joined by his mum to accompany him. You could imagine her dismay when, after the usual wait, her other son turned up as well for an injury! Thats two experienced players for the Tigers off the field, but as their next opponents coach (Norths Debnnis McMahon), I dont care what they say about being down in numbers. The Hutt clubs can do anything, and thats the way Ill be looking at the game.
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NORTH CITY 32
Tries: P Latele 2, Adrian Saolele 2, L Simi, Tino Tato, Frank Rameka tries
Goals: Buddy Death 2
defeated KAPITI 24
Tries: Anton Wereta, Ross Kronfield, Leo Perez, T Nu, R Williams tries
Goals: Greg Deans 3
Venue: Porirua Stadium
Crowd: 200
Date: Sun Apr 13 12.450pm
Half time: 20 all
Match Comments: BEARS PUSH VIKINGS The Bartercard Cup curtain raiser was a good game in that I think everyone was surprised at the display put on by the Bears against a much spoken about North City Viking revival. Although Norths scored the opening points of the game, the Bears flew out to a 20-4 lead, but with some bench changes, were hauled back in by the Vikings to go 20 all into the break as the Bears had a player in the sin bin. Norths coach Dennis McMahon said that the Bears got away for 20 or so minutes in the first spell, but the defence picked up in the second spell. The Vikings jumped out to a 32-20 lead after the third quarter as Kapiti were looking lethargic and getting caught short out wide. With 10 minutes remaining, Kapiti set claim in the Norths quarterline but were held out with some great on the line defence, and in a few cases, where the wrong options were taken, and the ball should have been spun wide. With 5 minutes remaining the Norths line was cracked and only a converted try separated both teams from a point apiece. However, not even a late Norths sin binning could help Kapiti snatch a draw. Tino Brown has been given the captaincy of the Vikings and has returned to the amazing form that saw him in the Wellington provincial side a few years back. He led well in this game, and this according to McMahon will help bring the young ones on. Buddy Death filling in at fullback until Kopa returns after knee reconstruction played well, and kicked well. And it looks like Frank Rameka has made up his mind to stay in club footy, and made his presence felt in the game. McMahon has the interesting task of holding players returning to training late this season in the reserve grade side, giving the ones who were there at the start of the pre-season, the chance to impress. And impress, they have. Meanwhile Kapiti manager Ed Maihi was disappointed that the 20-4 lead was whittled away when the Bears pack looked to be dominating Norths and more. We missed the opportunity to win the game and didnt maintain momentum, said Maihi. Best players for the Bears were as usual, the reliable Fred Laumua who helped lay the platform for the forwards in most cases. Also Anton Wereta showed why he is in the Bartercard squad with his dictating of play and getting the backs away. This result will help lift the footballing fortunes of Kapiti who were not sure how or if they had a team for the game. This showing and the consequent trainings this week, should return the Bears to a competitive side.
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ST. GEORGE 24
Tries: Moses Vaovasa 2, Luis Baker, John Pesefea
Goals: Jason Parker 4
defeated UPPER HUTT 20
Tries: Alan Matapuku, Jeff Ingi, Tu Kingi
Goals: Nathan Rolls 4
Venue: Cannons Creek
Crowd: 120
Date: Sat Jun 7 2.30 pm
Half time: 14-2 St George
Match Comments: St George picked up their first win of the season at Cannons Creek after leading Upper Hutt 14-2 at the break. The Dragon forwards began to gain in confidence with the front row pair of George Galo and Sam Tekira gaining plenty of yardage, and veteran playmaker Moses Vaovasa directing play, picking up two tries himself. Dragons coach Tausini Galo fielded a new line up for this must win game, and was concerned as the Tigers came back into the game late in the second half. It was shades of the Kapiti game, says Galo, where the Dragons also had a handy lead, only to lose in the last minute of the game. Both sides were guilty of not completing their sets, with handling errors and taking the wrong options when scoring opportunities arose. Alan Matapuku was the best go forward player for the Tigers in a beaten pack, and continues to show improvement in recent games. He was supported in defence by the second row pair of Dylan Cassidy and Natano Keni. A number of times, the Tigers showed their lack of experience when taking the wrong options on attack, often losing possession from unnecessary kicks when the ball would have been best kept in hand. It was unfortunate that the experienced Kane Haerewa was pulled more into a defensive role for the side, and was left to try too many things himself in the smaller pack. It would be fair to say that both sides were guilty of poor finishing at times, and while the Dragons pack was gaining in confidence making ground at will, the Tigers best options were to throw the ball wide, away from the bulkier Saints side. So while one side picks up their first win of the season, and the other keeps searching. Both clubs will need to get support for their sides in an effort to improve their standings after the first round. They can both look at what they desperately need to fix, in order to finish the season with dignity. And it is with club members past and present that need to get in and help these sides retain the respect of the local league community for the business part of the season. More support and help for players and coaching staff to keep these clubs in premier football. Just like to mention the trainer for the Tigers against St George was Team Wellington second rower Toby Hall. Representative player and Bartercard regular was there to help his club side out with the messages and the bits of encouragement that nearly pulled off a win for them.
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WAINUI 30
Tries: John Monu, Marvin Karawana, Mike Sharpe, Tama Renata Willie Pohoutaua tries
Goals: Marvin Karawana 5
defeated PETONE 26
Tries: Maunga Sikuvea 2, Vila Apa'ula ,Dion Laulu, Chris Savali
Goals: James Toala 3
Venue: Petone Rec
Crowd: 1500
Date: Sat Aug 30 2.45 pm
Referee: Mark McCaffery
Penalties: 6 all
Half time: 14 - 8 Wainui
First Try: John Monu
Man of the Match: Marvin Karawana (Wainui)
Rleague Points: Karawana (Woa), Sikuvea (Pet), Sharpe (Woa)
Match Comments: The Wainuiomata Rugby League club had good reason to celebrate on Saturday night as boththeir premier and reserve grade sides won direct entry to their respective Grand Finals after wins in their major play offs. Wainui relied heavily on the youthful enthusiasm of their national age grade representatives, especially their halves combination of John Monu and Marvin Karawana in defeating Minor Premiers Petone 30-26 at the Petone Rec and booking their second successive Grand Final appearance. It was a case of deja-vu for the Panthers as they had beaten Wainui twice in the league last year, only to fall to the Lions in the play offs. Petone made plenty of the early play in the game with halfback James Toala making two telling line breaks that were not converted into points. But it took some early forward momentum from the Wainui pack up the middle of the park to set Monu up for the first try of the game in the 9th minute. The Panthers hit back after another Toala break from deep inside their half, which saw inspirational front rower Chris Savali off load well in the movement that lead to fullback Dion Laulu diving over in the left corner to close to 4-6. Although Karawana pushed Wainui further ahead with a penalty, Petone drew level from another counter attacking move when Bartercard star Vila Apu'ula scored off a Mounga Sikuvea offload under pressure. Wainui took the halftime lead 14-8 after their forwards again made ground up the middle, with Karawana scoring handy to the posts. The second half became very tit for tat, as first Petone levelled the scores at 14 all when second rower Sikuvea went over for the first of his tries for the game. Then Karawana restored the lead for the Lions with his second penalty,this time for a reckless tackle which saw referee Mark McCaffery become more visible in the game. McCaffery was then called upon to settle two small brawls either side of a Tama Renata try that pushed the Lions out to a 22-14 lead. Petone hit back admirably midway through the second half, first after a big carry by front rower Doug Tafili, that saw Savali cross for a popular try. Then the Panthers edged their noses in front for the first time in the game after some surges for the line by five eighth Malcolm Lewis were repelled, saw Sikuvea cross over for his second try of the game and a 26-22 lead. With 10 minutes to go, Wainui threw everything at the Petone defence and found room down the grandstand touchline where winger Mike Sharpe was put through a gap out wide to level the scores again 26 all. Then dangerous Lions centre Willie Pohoutaua who had been well contained for 74 minutes of the game, was put in the clear by Delaney Edmonds to also score out wide, and take the game. Although the game mirrored these sides previous encounter at Wise Park two weeks ago with good counter attacking, well constructed tries and a last minute winning try, a number of the players failed to exert themselves as in preceding games. The tenacious tackling expected did not eventuate, and although referee Mark McCaffery was called on to keep the sides apart in the second half, neither of those incidents had any bearing on the result. Earlier in the game, Petone halfback James Toala showed he has become the teams most effective line breaker making a number of great attacking moves from inside their half. But the minor premiers lacked the precision to inflict the final punch a number of times, often falling to the youthful Wainui scrambling defence. Lions loose forward Michael Price gave a man of the match contribution with his tackle count well into the 40s, and he often attracted two defenders whenever he had the ball. Wainui coach Clinton Buchanan said his young halves of Monu and Karawana often shoveled the ball on for the backline, and that although Petone had Pohoutaua well marked, it allowed Tama Renata more freedom to move. Buchanan was surprised that there were no sin bins in the game but praised referee McCaffery for his consistency and hopes he gets the Grand Final job. The mistakes cost us, offered Panthers player coach Chris Savali when thinking of the first half opportunities that went begging. We didnt finish off those breaks. Petone assistant coach Eddie Elliott praised the performance of hooker Jason Crown for another sterling effort on defence. And the half combination of Toala and Lewis worked smoothly, arguably the reason for those early line breaks. Petone have a week to re-group before facing Randwick at Wise Park in the preliminary final on Saturday. Their options should include the maximum use of both Vila Apuula and Toala, two game breakers who would cause any opposition concern. Dom/Post Colin ONeill Best & Fairest 3 points Marvin Karawana Lions Five Eighth 2 points Maunga Sikuvea Panther second rower 1 point Micheal Price Lions Loose forward
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RANDWICK 35
Tries: Alapati Manusuega 2, Pio Tuia,Matt Sotaaga, Dave Tuia, Feta Luamanu tries
Goals: Wesley Henry 5 gls
F/Goals: Jeremy Poihipi 1 f
defeated NORTH CITY 28
Tries: Tino Tato, Nigel Taumoli,Jason Penny, Dennis McMahon,Jaye Bolstad tries
Goals: Tino Tato 4
Venue: Petone Rec
Crowd: 500
Date: Sat Aug 30 1.00 pm
Referee: Matt Kotuhi
Penalties: 7-6 North City
Half time: 18-10 Randwick
First Try: Alapati Manusuega (Randwick)
Man of the Match: Ralph Leafe (Ran)
Rleague Points: Leafe (Ran), Patelesio (Ran), Brown (Nor)
Match Comments: Randwick coach Darryl Marino said seven weeks ago that every game had to be treated like a final by his players, if they had any hopes of reaching the Grand Final this season. At that time they had been dealt a big blow by Wainui, and sat outside the top four awaiting any slip ups from those above them on the table. Now seven weeks later, Marino still has his players doggedly treating every game as a final, and while Saturdays sudden death semi final win over North City was far from perfect, there were glimpses of hope for the Randwick faithful that just perhaps, the 2003 Kingfishers may have enough gas to make it again. Randwick hit their straps early in a dream start, running out to an 18 nil lead after just 10 minutes of game time scoring 3 converted tries and displaying great support play and sending the ball out wide at any opportunity. They continued putting pressure on the North City defence often causing the Vikings to turnover the possession and never allowing the big forward pack to get rolling. Midway through the half, Norths improved their ball control and were able to get their forwards into some momentum. They scored their first points on the back of two penalties, to be 6-18 down after 24 minutes. And although Randwick would have the Viking defence back peddling with good running from dummy half, consecutive sets in the Randwick quarter, followed by more penalties, allowed Norths to pick up their second try, when Nigel Taumoli stretched the Randwick defence to score out wide. Prior to the break, the much-vaunted North City forward pack had moved up a gear, and were beginning to gain in confidence, the more possession they could get. Randwick play maker Ralph Leafe was being well contained by Norths, and it was left up to other players to control the play. Veteran centre Wesley Henry was just that person, starting the movement that put front rower Dave Tuia under the posts for a 24-10 lead from the restart. But Norths began to show some aggressive defence and still with plenty of time on the clock, picked up two converted tries to move within two points of the Kingfishers. But at 24-22, Randwick lost Mike Patelesio and Joe Finau to the bin for holding down in a tackle. The 11 man Kingfishers did well to hold the big North City forwards at bay, and even scored when the Norths failed to take an in goal bomb allowing Feta Luamanu to score in the corner. But relentless pressure up the middle saw the Vikings draw level at 28 all, when centre Jay Bolstad went over, and still 18 minutes to play. In the 29th minute a good roll on began when Randwick were able to retrieve their own goal line drop out on defence. Big second rower Alapati Manusuega was able to score in the ensuing set stepping through the Vikings defence to retake the lead 34-28. A late field goal from Jeremy Poihipi booked Randwick a meeting with Petone in the preliminary final at Wise Park on Saturday, 35-28. Coach Darryl Marino admitted it was good to win this game knowing who the Norths key players were. We had to shut down their space, says Marino of the obvious threat the big opposition pack threatened with. The Randwick defence were getting in the Norths faces and forcing errors that resulted in the early big lead. A lead that North City coach Dennis McMahon said was just too big, and took a lot out of his side. We had no ball for 20 minutes. Were down 18 nil. And we took to long to get cracking, says McMahon. Randwick ran the show and it took a toll on us. After last weeks defeat at Naenae Park, McMahon said that training this week did concentrate on stopping Ralph Leafe, but that other players stood up and took over. Randwick second rower Alapati Manusuega summed up the teams feelings saying that things were hard when they were reduced to 11 players. We were guilty of it, and Norths were running the ruck fringes well, so we had to shape up ourselves. Manusuega also said that the game was won for hooker Mike Patelesio who transferred from Norths in the off season, and copped some stick from their supporters in the loss in the first round. Dom/Post Colin ONeill Best & Fairest 3 points Ralph Leafe Kingfisher Halfback 2 points Mike Patelesio Kingfisher hooker 1 point Tino Brown Viking prop
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I must say i was very impressed to see 1500 turn out to the major semi final, that is very impressive. Like i said only sum had some of the results and im not going through all 18 rounds ...the link is
http://www.rleague.com/summary.php
) Hows a sport with no media coverage apart from one team in a Aussie competition meant to overtake our national sport...
