Richmond Premier 1st played Otahuhu Leopards at Bert Henham Park, Otahuhu on Saturday 16 April. This was our second game for the season with a number of changes from last week’s winning team. The Richmond Premier 1st had a good week of training leading up to the weekend clash. Coaches Henry Solomona and Bernard Perenara (Jnr.) were fortunate with the depth at training with up to 40 players training for positions in our 17 man team. Going in to Round 2 of the Fox Memorial shield Premier 1st competition our team featured a good mix of senior players and debutants including: Teanu Henry (formerly of Ellerslie Eagles) at centre, Onelani Pongi (Ex-Takapuna rugby), Luke Cummings and Sam Sturgiss (Ex-Ponsonby rugby).
Otahuhu started out hard and fast going 10 – 0 in the first 15 minutes due to missed tackles, forced ball errors and early game penalties. The team began playing to the game plan, sticking to the team defence structure and began posting tries to Onelani Pongi with a double and Matryx to add to the team tries scored sheet. Half back Lona slotted 2 out of 3 kicks from the side line. Richmond went in to the half time break up 14-10 over Otahuhu.
The Richmond forwards picked up where they had finished the first half with intensity in defence with solid hits and hit ups from Marcus Taniue and Junior Uale. Richmond continued to play to its strength allowing strong hit ups around the ruck area and a good kick chase to the corner. Injury to reliable prop forward Josh Aulika (sprained ankle) encouraged the Richmond bench to lift another level where Harry Vete was causing havoc on attack. Vete’s impact allowed free flowing play leading to another try to Onelani in the opposition corner. Richmond was looking good to finish strong ahead 20-10 with 15 minutes to go. Otahuhu scored next with a missed conversion from the side line, 20-14 to Richmond.
Richmond received 2 penalties where Luke gifted a nice short pass to Junior Uale to score and Lona coverting to take Richmond 26-14. Otahuhu hit back to score again with no conversion, 26-18 with minutes left on the clock. Richmond finished victors 26-18 over Otahuhu. Two very important points to a team improving each week.
Big thanks to Liz Ah Kuoi again for organising the team card and jerseys. Shout out also to Sene Atafu for the players rub down and to Peter Ah Koui for running the side line. Our next game on Saturday 23 April, at Grey Lynn Park 12.45pm kick off against the Howick Hornets.
Forward Player of the Day: Marcus Taniue
Back Player of the Day: Matryx
1. Matryx
2. Onelani Pongi
3. Te Anu Henry
4. Fue Lomi
5. Issac Walker
6. Luke Cumming
7. Lona Sepalona
8. Josh Aulika
9. Sam Sturgiss
10. Tristan
11. Junior Tia
12. Junz Ule
13. Marcus Latoa
14. Ojay Guntinbeil
15. Harry Vete
16. James Finlayson
17. Ron
Otahuhu started out hard and fast going 10 – 0 in the first 15 minutes due to missed tackles, forced ball errors and early game penalties. The team began playing to the game plan, sticking to the team defence structure and began posting tries to Onelani Pongi with a double and Matryx to add to the team tries scored sheet. Half back Lona slotted 2 out of 3 kicks from the side line. Richmond went in to the half time break up 14-10 over Otahuhu.
The Richmond forwards picked up where they had finished the first half with intensity in defence with solid hits and hit ups from Marcus Taniue and Junior Uale. Richmond continued to play to its strength allowing strong hit ups around the ruck area and a good kick chase to the corner. Injury to reliable prop forward Josh Aulika (sprained ankle) encouraged the Richmond bench to lift another level where Harry Vete was causing havoc on attack. Vete’s impact allowed free flowing play leading to another try to Onelani in the opposition corner. Richmond was looking good to finish strong ahead 20-10 with 15 minutes to go. Otahuhu scored next with a missed conversion from the side line, 20-14 to Richmond.
Richmond received 2 penalties where Luke gifted a nice short pass to Junior Uale to score and Lona coverting to take Richmond 26-14. Otahuhu hit back to score again with no conversion, 26-18 with minutes left on the clock. Richmond finished victors 26-18 over Otahuhu. Two very important points to a team improving each week.
Big thanks to Liz Ah Kuoi again for organising the team card and jerseys. Shout out also to Sene Atafu for the players rub down and to Peter Ah Koui for running the side line. Our next game on Saturday 23 April, at Grey Lynn Park 12.45pm kick off against the Howick Hornets.
Forward Player of the Day: Marcus Taniue
Back Player of the Day: Matryx
1. Matryx
2. Onelani Pongi
3. Te Anu Henry
4. Fue Lomi
5. Issac Walker
6. Luke Cumming
7. Lona Sepalona
8. Josh Aulika
9. Sam Sturgiss
10. Tristan
11. Junior Tia
12. Junz Ule
13. Marcus Latoa
14. Ojay Guntinbeil
15. Harry Vete
16. James Finlayson
17. Ron
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