Team list: Meke Unasa, Mafola Timaloa, Debarres Neemia, Marcus Auvaa, Edwin Pita, Steve Watkinson, Josh Siaosi, Hector Purcell, Jason Mudgway, Toleafoa Leaupepe, Ben Seve, Siliga Kepaoa, Karl Simeti. Tama Guthrie, Joe Alesi, Hans Leauanae, Harry Vete.

Richmond started with a hiss and roar with two early tries to winger Mafola Timaloa. The forwards were strong with juggernauts Toleafoa Leaupepe and Hector Purcell smashing up the mid field with strong prop carries.. Tireless captain Karl Simeti was courageous with his early hit ups and tackles. The left edge was kept busy with Marcus Auvaa and Ben Seve containing the attacking Otara backs. The halves combinations formed well to get early ball out to the backs spreading the Scorpions mid field. In one instance Hector Purcell made a mid field line break and gifted his partner in crime Toleafoa a try in front of the post.

Co-Captain Joey Alesi showed great resolve to help his forward pack playing from the front row. In the end Otara were outplayed by a more passionate and determined Richmond team. No doubt Otara will come back firing but first they take on Papatoetoe in next weekends elimination semi final. Player of the day - Mafola Timaloa with two tries. His post try celebrations would have all members proud. 


Richmond Premiers thank all our Richmond supporters that came out to support them out at Ngati Otara Park. Well done to our Richmond Premiers and much thanks to the coaching staff and Richmond families. There is one more game to go. We want all Richmond supporters at the Sharman Cup Grand finals on August 17th at the Trust Stadium.

Half time score: Otara 16, Richmond 14. 
A nail biting 15 mins to go with Otara 20, Richmond Premiers 28. 
8 mins to go Otara 22, Richmond Premiers 30.
34 - 22 Richmond over Otara
Full time score to Richmond Premiers top class today took it to Otara final score 34 -22 an awesome win. 
We are off to the 2013 Sharman Cup Grand Final. 

Richmond Premiers played Te Atatu Roosters at Grey Lynn park. Half time score 16-6. Full time score 24-14 to Richmond. This win takes the team into second position after 5 rounds with 4 wins, 1 draw. Next week the boys play East Coast Bays Barracuddas who are currently sitting at the top of the Sharman Cup ladder board. Let's get on board & support the boys in our centenary year. #biteembulldogs

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

GAME REPORT
Premiers game kicks off at 2.30
Richmond Premiers number 8 (Hector Purcell) opens the scoring. 6 - 0
Eagles hit straight back off the kick off with a bust up the middle from number 7. 12 - 6
Richmond (Jason Mudgway) reply with a try out of dummy half, no conversion. 12 - 10
Another try for Richmond (Tama Guthrie), conversion missed. 12 - 14
With one in the bin for Ellerlsie, Richmond (Karl Simiti) grab a try just before half time. 12 - 26
Richmond (Karl Simiti) in again right next to the post. 12 - 20 to Richmond.
Richmond (Edwin Pita) first to score in the second half. 12 - 32
Ellerslie hit back with a long range effort. 18 - 42
Richmond (Edwin Pita) reply with a try in the left corner. 18 - 46
Ellerslie touch down in the opposite corner. 24 - 46
Richmond (Harry Vete) in again. 24 - 50
Full time Ellerslie Premiers def. by Richmond Premiers 24 - 50