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.