BULLDOGS GRAB THE CUP

A hard-fought rugby league grand final win for the Richmond Bulldogs sees them crowned 2013 SAS Sharman Cup champions and promoted to next year's Fox Memorial Shield.

The Bulldogs capped off their centennial year with an 18-14 win over the Otara Scorpions after a cliffhanger finish in front of a 1500-strong crowd at Henderson's Trusts Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams fully deserved their place in the final after a long and hard season.

The Bulldogs came into the final after a strong performance in the semifinals against the Scorpions, trouncing them 34-22.

The first try of the day came in the fifth minute courtesy of Bruce Tusa who put through Tagisia Fulutusi for the Scorpions.

Toleafoa Leaupepe went agonisingly close but the desperate Scorpions defence held out - until a rampaging Hector Purcell bulldozed over to give Richmond their first points.

Steve Watkinson converted and Richmond were up 6-4. Richmond seemed to get a second wind and with only 10 to go in the first half went over again down the left flank after quick hands had Marcus Auva'a ground the ball under pressure.

Another Watkinson conversion had Bulldogs up 12-4 at halftime.

In the second half the Bulldog's Bronson Harden was held up in goal to be denied a try.

This gave Otara their first opportunity of the half and James Tulikaki crossed to give the Scorpions their second try, making the score 12-8 after a missed conversion.

Richmond did not have to wait long for their next chance and when the Bulldogs kicked early and caught Scorpions' winger Tagisia Fulutusi out of position, the Bulldogs found themselves hard on attack. From there an early tap by Watkinson had him find his opposites napping and he managed to plant the ball to extend the lead to 18-8 after converting the try.

With three minutes remaining Scorpions' five-eight Leiloa Lafaele crossed and with a successful conversion it was 18-14 to the Bulldogs with a minute to go.

From the kickoff Otara missed the ball and it went out for a line dropout.

The Scorpions gained possession and broke away downfield but an Otara grubber failed to find its man and the ball was cleared for the Bulldogs to win 18-14.

SAS Sharman Cup Grand Final Results:

Richmond Bulldogs 18 (12) V (4) 14 Otara Scorpions.

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. 

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.

The opening 20 minutes was a real tough grind as both teams looked to win the battle up front. Strong carries by Junior Uale and Toleafoa Leaupepe (pictured) had the home team on the front foot. As a team the boys had plenty of field position and ball posession however could not take its opportunities to put points on the board. With full back Savi Hafoka down with injury temporarily Glenfield took the opportunity to kick ahead from a well-timed scrum chase to bag first points. Both teams came to play with nothing in it at half time with Glenfield holding a slim lead 14-12.

After the half time break our Richmond boys hit their straps with some strong hit ups from powerful running utility Aukuso Faafoi and some well-timed hit and sticks from Captain Mia Tautiga. Richmond quickly put some pressure on the visiting team and managed to get out to a handy lead 26-14 with 20 minutes to play. But just like last week the boys failed to close the game out with Glenfield touching down twice in the closing stages to lock it up 26-all right on full time.

Our two Players Of the Day were backrowers Aukuso Faafoi and our captain Mia Tautiga -well done boys! Be sure to catch our next game at Grey Lynn Park this coming Saturday 21 April 2012 when we take on Otara Scorpions at 2.30pm.

Also our Richmond Club Social is this Saturday at the Richmond club rooms from 7pm. Kitchen will be open late and our very own Leonale Bourke will be DJing. Drink Specials all night. Hope to see you all there in support of our great club. #BITEEMBULLDOGS

Richmond Premiers Vs Ellerslie, Saturday 31st March.
By Henri Nicholas

 We didn't get off to the greatest of starts finding our selves down 12-nill after 15mins. We struggled to complete sets, and our ball carry was poor coming out of our red zone, this allowed Ellerslie to dominate field position and the game in the opening quarter. We came into a bit of luck with Richmond 5/8 Tama Guthrie collecting an intercept pass and running 80 meters to open our account for 2012. This would be the turning point of the first half with our boys running in another 4 tries and take the lead 28-12 in to the half time break. 

After the oranges -the boys started the second half the way they ended the first to lead 42-12 at the 60 minute mark. Of concern was the way we finished the game, the concentration levels and commitment dropped off with our boys allowing Ellerslie Eagles to run in three soft tries -final score 54-30 to Richmond. For our first up game we are happy with the win but acknowledge the fact that we are far away from where we need to be if we intend on being competitive this year!

 Our two Player Of The Days went to Toleafoa Leaupepe (Prop forward) for his committed defence and his powerful ball carries. Bronson Harden (Lock) for topping the tackle count, second in ball carries and also managed to play the full 80mins. Also strong games by Cale Baker (Hooker), Savi Hafoka (Full back), Juniour Uale (Prop forward). Congratulations boys. Next game is at home this Saturday against Glenfield and we would love to have your support.


Try scorers: Tama Guthrie (2), Josh Mana (2), Ioane Godinet, Fa'avae Neli, Aaron Nootai, Cale Baker, Toleafoa Leaupepe, Junior Uale, Savi Hafoka.
Conversions: Godinet (7)


PLAYER THE DAY
3 points: Tolefafoa Leaupepe
2 points: Bronson Harden
1 point: Cale Baker