North Harbour 1st XV Report – 21 May

The fourth round of the 1st XV competition witnessed the most anticipated match of the 2016 season. As defending North Harbour champions, Rosmini fought to defend their title against last year’s challengers Westlake Boys High School in front of home field support. The wet conditions played a prominent part in the game and contributed to a number of fumbling errors throughout.   In the end, Westlake managed to resurrect their 13-12 loss from last season’s final and secure a close, yet well-earned 20-15 victory. This win marked yet another milestone of the two teams closely contested history.

Both teams started the game as expected, with a high level of intensity. However, the first ten minutes of the game ultimately fell victim to the wet conditions. Both teams failed to handle the ball with great ability in the face of each other’s ferocious defence, losing the ball at tackle and breakdown situations. Although as the game developed, the players managed to adapt well, employing other tactics in hopes of upsetting the opposition. Despite early signs of Westlake dominance, Rosmini managed to get on top in the latter part of the first half.   First five-eight Sekuini Tanimo showcased his control of the game by opting to kick and pin Westlake in their own 22. He demonstrated more skill later in the game as he placed a grubber through the Westlake defence, chased, collected the ball, and passed it to his team mate No.12 Taine Wattie, who dove over in the left hand corner.   Westlake then managed to quickly salvage some points, after being awarded a penalty in front of the Rosmini posts.  However half-back Connor Leather helped Rosmini convert a penalty of their own directly after this, giving Rosmini an 8-3 lead at halftime.

Westlake started the second half dominantly, with prop Leon Thambarin pushing over the try-line after a strong series of rucks, equalising the score. Despite Westlake maintaining their assault upon the try line, Rosmini centre Joe Taylor anticipated a long pass made along the Westlake backline, intercepting the ball at the Rosmini 22m and running the length of the field to score a try - one well applauded by the home crowd. This did not, however, sway the Westlake offensive tactics and they resumed their onslaught with greater intensity, with No.7 Jacob Katipa managing to drive over the try-line after yet another powerful set of ruck displays shown by Westlake. Still down 13-15, Westlake remained relentless in their search for the win.   In the final analysis, the strength and skill of Westlake’s Inisi brothers secured the victory with centre Fine Inisi managing to split the Rosmini defence and slide to the try-line, capitalizing upon his brother No.8 Lotu Inisi’s tremendous running game, which remained pivotal throughout the match.   A jubilant Westlake managed to hold on to a well-earned 20-15 win.

Massey travelled to Whangarei to win 22-10.  Massey got out to a good lead with three tries by half-time and Whangarei came back in the second half with improved defence and a try but the Westies’ picked up a converted try at the end to seal the win.  In the other fixtures the 1A teams were evenly matched with Takapuna holding out Birkenhead 21-18 and Orewa and Rangitoto battling it out to a 22 all draw in the wet.   It was a tough forward battle at set piece, some good work by the backs and loosies with both sides scoring three tries each.

1A Points:  Westlake 19, Massey 15, Rangitoto 12, Rosmini 11, Whangarei  9, Takapuna 4, Orewa 3 and Birkenhead 1.

This week Westlake host Whangarei in the match of the week, with Rangitoto facing Rosmini at home, Birkenhead play Orewa and Takapuna up against Massey on their home track.

In the Open B competition Cardinal Pool Westlake 2^nd XV thumped Whangaparaoa 1^st XV 60-0, Mahurangi 1^st XV defeated Massey 2^nd XV 30-7 and Kristin 1^st XV put away Glenfield/Hato Petera 49-0.  In the White Pool, Rosmini 2^nd XV beat Albany 1^st XV 45-0. Rangitoto 2^nd XV edged Kaipara 1^st XV 19-14 and Northcote 1^st XV comfortably beat Long Bay 1^st XV 29-0.

Open B Points:

Cardinal Pool: Westlake 2^nd XV 10, Mahurangi 1^st XV 10, Kristin 1^st XV 5, Massey 2^nd XV 5, Glenfield/Hato Petera and Whangaparaoa 1^st XV 0.  White Pool: Rosmini 2^nd XV 9, Northcote 1^st XV 9, Long Bay 1^st XV 5, Rangitoto 2^nd XV 4, Kaipara 1^st XV 2 and Albany 1^st XV 0.

By Trey Tupu-South of Westlake BHS.

Photo By Jack Hall