The Richmond Premiers are the talk of the competition after their excellent start to the season.

A human tunnel was formed to welcome the Richmond Premiers onto the field for the first home game of the 2013 season. A capacity crowd and the radiant sun proved to be positive indicators for the game ahead against 2012 Sharman Cup finalists, Papatoetoe Panthers.

No truer words were said than ‘Defence wins games’.

While the Rovers defensive line remained solid, the first signs of a weakening Panthers defence came nearly 20 minutes in the game with ex Vulcans player Aaron Nootai scoring on the left wing, opening what was to be a wave of tries.

The poor handling skills of the Panthers were far from their winning 2012 form, with a myriad of errors allowing the Rovers to race away to a 26-0 lead at half time through tries to Toafofoa Sipley, Junior Uale, Savi Hafoka and Aaron Nootai again.

The Rovers continued the second half with the same intensity and momentum with Siliga Kepaoa surging ahead a clear 30 metres to score between the posts converted successfully by Harry Vete. Five minutes had not lapsed before Captain Karl Simeti busted through the flailing Panthers defence to score, and Toafofoa adding a further 4 points to the board shortly after.

Guarding the line after three consecutive defensive plays, the impenetrable Richmond wall came down 65 minutes into the game after the Panthers hit back.

Harry Vete donned his golden boots to successfully slot a total of 8 conversions. Final score: 56-8 Richmond Premiers.

Richmond’s captain Karl Simeti was inspirational for the home team forcing several turnovers with his confrontational defence. Another stand-out for the match was Junior Warriors player Toafofoa Sipley who led the hitup count in attack with 13 hit ups earning him the player of the day award.

Coach Ming Mafoe was pleased with the result though is determined to see a reduction in the error rate.

Next game : Sat 13 April 2:30pm, Moyle Park. vs Manukau Magpies

01/11/2012: AUCKLAND VULCANS OPEN TRIAL
Auckland Vulcans coach Willie Swann announced an 'open trial' will be held at Cornwall Park on January 26, kicking off at 11:00am. Players must bring their own boots, socks & shorts.
How to register:
1. Register at Cornwall Park at from 9:30am on the day
2. Pre-register by texting: Vulcans to 021 552 363, stating your name, Date of Birth & playing position.

Pictured: Richmond's Aaron Nootai in action for the 2012 Auckland Vulcans

The Richmond Premiers played the SAS Sharman Cup competition leaders the Papatoetoe Panthers at there home ground. With a mixed week of training due to injuries there were the three players who pulled out for various reasons. No trouble as there was adequate cover from our developing and always pressing Premier 1st grade team. The Premiers did get out 17 players with inclusion of our Auckland Vulcan players: Aaron Nootai and Warriors full time contracted player Ivan Penehe. The Richmond team were hoping there experiences from the Auckland Vulcans would rub off to the other 15 players.

Missed first up tackles, forced errors in our half and penalties allowed Papatoetoe Panthers to a handy 22-12 lead going into the 
break. The second half started well with the Premiers scoring two tries to Aukuso & Toleafoa Leaupepe with one conversion to make the score 22-22 with 25 minutes remaining. Dropped balls, lack of respect for the ball and referee allowed Papatoetoe to go on a scoring spree with three unanswered tries with only 1 kick over making the score 36-22 with ten minutes left in the game. Richmond were its our own worst enemy losing the ball in the first tackle  and in there own half. Defence was sound for the remainder of the game. Richmond built up some pressure in which outside back Edwin Pita scored crossing over to take the score to 36-26. With  seven minutes remaining  Richmond ran the ball on  the last  tackle down the blind side. Ivan managed to get some ground and before  being flung over the side line he flicked the ball back into the hands of  Captain Mia Tautiga who  went over to score untouched. Aukuso converted the try  to take the score to 36-32 still to  the Panthers. 

The Panthers took there time returning the ball back for kick off. As the home team kicked off the hooter  sounded for full time. Richmond earned a penalty as the Panthers defence were  well in front of the kicker. Aaaron Nootai kicked the ball out to gain another  20 metres. The Premier boys knew the last stoppage will be full time so decided  to tap the ball and passed it from one side of the field to the other. Utility  player Josh Sioasi found a gaping whole on the edge in which he drew in his  winger and passed to Ivan who sprinted down the line to score an awesome try in  the corner. So this made it 36 all with the kick to come. This unfortunately was missed however the boys showed a lot of character and belief.

Special mention to Ivan Penehe, Aaron Nootai who put the extra effort in. Also an honourable mention for Fia who was brought into this game from the Premier 1st and helped us.

Premiers came away with a  solid 52 - 14 win over the Manukau Magpies at Moyle Park. With key players returning from New Zealand Touch duties including Aaron Nootai and Tama Guthrie back on board along with explosive Centre Joe Alesi the  Richmond Premiers pack were sure to fire all cylinders and get their season back on track. The Richmond forward pack and backs started the game with a hiss and a roar shooting out to a 12 nil lead in the first 10 minutes of the game. The Doggies played to their strengths and game plan taking the lead to go to the half time break with a 20 - 6 lead.
Early in the second half the boys found it harder to mount pressure and complete their sets. The RIchmond forwards persisted with strong carries by Junior Uale and Toleafoa Leaupepe grinding the opposition forwards which allowed our spectacular halves to find space around some tiring Manukau edge defenders. Captain Aaron Nootai capitalized on some solid quick play the ball and showed great intuition to score 3 brilliant tries. The flood gates opened for  the doggies with Tama Guthrie & Joshua Siaosi touching down also in the second half. Richmond came out from Moyle park with a 52-12 win and there season campaign back on track.
 
A big thanks to Alex Afa from the Premier 1st who converted all but 2 tries. The big difference in todays game was BELIEF and the team each believe the 2012 season has only just started. There are two games remaining in this round. Player of the Day was The Whole team. Thanks to the supporters who came out to support and a big ups to Alipa Solomona, Peter Ah Kuoi and Gus Fepuleai for their words of wisdom. This Saturday the boys play Te Atatu Roosters at home in a must win game. Premier 1st open up the weekend with a kick off time of 2.45pm and Pre1miers kick off at 2.30pm. Be there at Grey Lynn park to support the boys with your colours, posters, banners and vocals.

Congratulations to Aaron Nootai and Tama Guthrie on there selection for the NZ touch representative team. The Premier grade boys will be sorely missed however they will need all the encouragement and support as they take on Australia on 26th April 2012 in three matches. Both players are unavailable to play in the next few games for precautionery reasons.

For more info click here.
To check out Aaron Nootai's (left) player profile click here.
To check out Tama Guthrie's (right) player profile click here.