The Auto Super Shoppes Hastings Premiers played MAC at Flaxmere Park last Saturday 9th May. The first half was a bit of an arm wrestle although we did achieve a 19 – 5 halftime lead, but MAC at long periods with the ball in hand and stayed in the match.
The second half saw us score a couple of quick tries, but MAC scored three tries and the score was 31 – 22 with about 20 minutes to go. MAC scored twice after we dropped the kick-off restart after we had scored tries. However, the bench brought some good impact and we scored three tries to close out the match and a comfortable win in the end.
Johnny Saifiti, playing his 111th match on the right wing, had a strong game with great defence and scored a well-deserved try. Jordan Thompson-Dunn directed play well from 1st Five and put MAC on the back foot with some well-judged kicking. JJ Lilo-Iosefo playing hooker and scored two tries and was very effective with his ball carries.
This week we have Taradale at their ground and the Coleman/Russell Trophy will be up for grabs – the winner will get their name on the trophy for the 2026 season.
Final Score: HRS 51 – MAC 22
Point Scorers – Joseph Lilo-Iosefo 2, Caleb Horsefield, Oscar Sowman, Jordan Thompson-Dunn, Johnny Saifiti, Perez Malo, Joe Fuimaono tries, Oscar Sowman 5 conversions.
POD Points: Johnny Saifiti 3 points, Jordan Thompson-Dunn 2, JJ Lilo-Iosefo 1 point.
