North Harbour 1st XV Report for 18 May

The third round of the North Harbour 1st XV competition got off to a tremendous start this Wednesday as Westlake hosted Orewa on their home field.  Despite the windy conditions, both teams battled on and showcased great resilience. In the end, Westlake’s superior passing and foot speed saw them sail home, securing a 32-3 win, although early signs of ill-discipline shown by Westlake saw them penalized four times within the first five minutes. As a result, Orewa was able to achieve great field position early on and secure the first points of the game with Orewa’s first-five Klay Murray converting a penalty kick. Westlake showed great strength to adjust and attack right back with points of their own.  No. 14 Jack Fuller managed to muscle over in the right hand corner after a series of good backline passes.   The remainder of the first half was heavily dominated by Westlake, with the majority of time spent in Orewa’s 22.  However Orewa exhibited a solid line of defence limiting Westlake’s assault to just one more try, scored by lock Harry Forbes, after a series of strong and powerful ruck displays.   A tenacious first half ended with Westlake ahead 10-3.

 Westlake started the second half with a similar dominance shown in the first, with No. 7 Jacob Katipa scoring early on. Westlake’s left winger Ariki Hood-Kaitapu exhibited thrilling foot speed shortly after, chasing down a chip kick made by halfback Casey Smith at halfway and gathering an awkward bounce to score in the corner. Westlake’s conversion kicking suffered for the most part, due to the wind and try placement. Three kicker transitions eventually saw Cameron Hey successfully kick Westlake’s first and only successful conversion of the game. Westlake managed to score one final time with No.22 Bailey Katipa streaking through Orewa’s tiring defense untouched. Despite a final onslaught made by Orewa against Westlake’s try line, Westlake finished strong, salvaging a 32-3 win.

 Westlake supporters could not be more confident, as Westlake now head towards their most anticipated match of the season against Rosmini, with their unbeaten reputation still intact.

In the other mid-week fixtures Rangitoto dominated Birkenhead with a 45-10 win and Whangarei put away Takapuna 33-13 at the earlier date of 30 April during the school holidays.  The Massey vs Rosmini fixture is deferred to 15 June.  The match of the round for this Saturday is Rosmini vs Westlake and there are some other interesting match-ups with Birkenhead hosting Takapuna, Orewa vs Rangitoto and Massey away to Whangarei.

By Trey Tupu-South, Westlake BHS

Pic - Westlake Lk  Casey Forsyth on the charge

Photo taken by Oliver Jones, Weslakte BHS