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Saturday 5 April 2008 Reports

DEAD ANTS v PONEKE HI-ISLANDERS

Lost: 30 - 8
Points Scorers: Mike Horn (try), Paddy (conversion)
Player of the Day: Hamish Burns

After a summer of dryness and sunshine, it was inevitable that the first game of the season would experience rain of biblical proportions. However it was probably the rain that levelled things substantially between the two sides. With an average weight bordering on 115kg, the Poneke players proved that Taro is still very much on the menu in the Eastern Suburbs. With several new players amongst the ranks the forming of new combinations would be crucial for the rest of the season. All the boys slotted in well and by all accounts the season looks in good stead.

The first half started with both sides looking to put the ball on the deck and let the other team make the mistakes. Hamish looked at home at the back and returned all the kicks with interest. When the Ants did run the ball the Poneke defence was well up to the mark and I must say I felt the full force of the 2nd Fives shoulder as it drove straight through my chest. Poneke's first try was indeed a well worked move and considering the conditions was very impressive. When Poneke scored soon after it looked to be a trouncing but the Ants pulled back well. Putting the ball behind the defence and then getting up in the faces of Poneke soon proved fruitful as Mike Horn went over for a nice try before the half was ended.

Poneke came back strong in the second half and soon scored again before the Ants spent a good amount of time in Poneke's 22. While there were several chances close to the line, nothing came of it and Poneke once again defended well. Another try from Poneke signed the fate of the Ants but at no time were we completely down and out. With this being the opening game there were a number of positives that can be taken – considering the lack of size and the conditions there was still a good display of rugby. Lineouts, scrums and set pieces need to be worked on but with more games under the belt I'm sure that this will improve. With the round officially starting next week and with the Ants in Division 1 hopefully this will come sooner than later.

PINK GINNERS v PONEKE HAMMERS

Won 10-5
Points Scorers: Smalls, Magoo (tries)
Player of the Day: Leggy

The 2008 season is finally underway and after a balmy summer it was ironic the game was played in rain the entire time. But that didn't deter the Ginners who roared into life and were 5-0 up within 5 minutes ! The Hammers didn't even touch the ball and Smalls was over the try-line. So the pre-season games of Touch must have paid off somehow as the boys looked pretty fit, especially the young, fit, new guys.

Not alot of time to practice set pieces but the boys stillmanaged admirably despite the slippery conditions with most line-outs won pus a few of theres. Held our own in the scrums against a larger pack and spun the ball of numerous occassions. Hosh stepped into Muzz's slot with ease and made some teling breaks. Shears, back from his foray into Senior rugby, made amends for even thinking of leaving the Ginners in the first place and made a huge burst down the sideline late in the first half only to pass it to one of their guys jsut before the tryline. Our kicking game was generally average though except for a well-placed kickthrough into their in-goal area and Magoo managed to get there first. 10-0 up at half-time. Change-arounds were aplenty throughout the game and the Hammers managed their solitary try in the second half though they could've had more but for the solid Ginners defence. So, despite no Cambridge beers and a packed PoW changing room afterwards, a good result first-up.

RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS V WESTS LARRYS

Lost 12 - 22.
Points, tries Daniel G, and Trent, conv Josh

Wellington on a very rainy day made for a very wet game!! Receiving from the kick off, the Brothers weathered a big and strong Wests forward pack.

The Larrys turned over possession and struck first with a try from solid pressure on the Brothers left side. This was, however, after the much talked up Larrys 'first blood' - a kick from right in front that went way off to the side - after they couldn't break the line initially!! As the Brothers struggled to get over the 'start of the season' gitters, Wests pushed home another try in the same part of the field. This sparked the Brothers to gain their composure, which saw out a rough first half. The second half was a rugged affair with two tries a piece - Trent and Daniel for the Brothers. Overall the second half saw the Brothers on top at scrum and line out time and with big tackles and good running off the rucks and mauls. Overall the second half was a good start to the season!!
Final score:12-22