Rosmini snatch victory

Rosmini managed to seize a close 15-13 victory over Westlake this week, the tenth round of the 1st IV competition, thanks to the steely nerves and remarkable kicking ability of half-back Connor Leather. The picture-perfect conditions helped Connor to convert 5 from 6 penalty kicks and in doing so devastate Westlake’s home field support.

After losing to Westlake earlier in the season, Rosmini demonstrated a clear determination to settle the score, utilizing the running strength of prop Leon Bongare to secure the front foot early on. Westlake’s defensive line performed impressively, with flanker Tupou Afungia and centre Baylee Katipa performing powerful tackles, whilst wing Jack Fuller performed numerous try saving tackles. Although Westlake performed well on defence, Rosmini were eventually awarded a penalty and another just one minute later and Leather converted both. On the back of this, Westlake heightened their pressure and managed to gain some attacking momentum. After managing to enter the opposition’s 22 for the first time more than twenty minutes in, the team scored through the fast feet of No.12 Fine Inisi, who took a blindside pass from halfback Jack Heighton on the 22m and slipped through a two metre gap for a clear stretch to the line. Inisi showed good intelligence by taking the ball under the posts to ensure his team the lead. First-five Cooper Green converted the try, placing Westlake ahead 7-6.  Leather secured the lead again with one last penalty kick in the first half from forty metres.   Just before halftime, ill-discipline saw two yellow cards issued, one each to both teams. After a flawless kicking performance by Connor Leather, Rosmini took the 9-7 lead into halftime.

Rosmini started the second half like the first with Leather extending the lead, executing another penalty kick.  Westlake created momentum of their own through the incredible performance of reserve kicker No.22 Keepa Wiki and Heighton, who punted for the corners to secure good field position. Westlake continued their assault through the running strength of prop Leon Thambarin and No.8 Lotu Inisi. Wiki capitalized with a penalty kick from 30m. After this, Keepa managed to take a one point lead from Rosmini with an amazing penalty from forty metres out and to the right side of the field. However, Rosmini recovered and after a strong push into the Westlake 22, were awarded with a penalty, 20 metres away and directly in front of the posts. Connor Leather converted and gave his team the lead in the dying stages of the game. Despite a last ditch attempt by Westlake, Rosmini’s No.6 Tamarau McGahan performed the most crucial play of the game, stripping the ball from Westlake’s Lotu Inisi to seal the victory.    

In the other 1A fixtures, Massey beat Whangarei 45-28 in a high scoring encounter, Rangitoto defeated Orewa 31-18 and Takapuna had the edge on Birkenhead winning 31-20.  This week will see Massey play Takapuna at Eden Park at 5pm on Friday night as curtain-raiser to the Blues vs Brumbies, Whangarei host Westlake at Kensington Park, Rosmini take on Rangitoto at home and Birkenhead travel away to Orewa.

1A Points: Westlake 45, Rosmini 43, Massey 39, Whangarei 24, Rangitoto 23, Takapuna 13, Orewa 8 and Birkenhead 1.

In the 1B division, Westlake 2nd XV defeated Kristin 1st XV 32-7, Northcote 1st XV put away Long Bay 1st XV 21-12, and Rosmini 2nd XV edged  Mahurangi 1st XV 14-8. In the 1C grade, Kaipara 1st XV thumped Albany 1st XV 60-5, Massey 2nd XV edged Whangaparaoa 1st XV 22-19 and Rangitoto 2nd XV had the bye.

1B Points:  Westlake 2nd XV 9, Rosmini 2nd XV 8, Mahurangi 1st XV 6, Northcote 1st XV 4, Kristin 1st XV 1 and Long Bay 1st XV 0.

1C Points: Kaipara 1st XV 9, Massey 2nd XV 9, Rangitoto 2nd XV 1, Whangaparaoa 1st XV 1 and Albany 1st XV 0.

By Trey Tupu-South of Westlake BHS