Our Premier team went to Tremain Field to take on Old Boys Marist for the third time this year. As well as our first-round loss at Elwood Park, we also played them in the pre-season Spillane Cup Final – another narrow loss.
Well, this game was again a very tight affair with both teams having their periods of ascendency. OBM had a great start to the match and dominated the first 15 minutes or so with a ton of possession. They took the lead with a converted try and we lost two players to injury – Hooker JJ Lilo-Iosefo and Number 8 – Perez Malo. Although we had excellent replacements in Damarus Hokianga and Emil Crichton it did have an effect later in the game when you want your subs to be a bit fresher to make an impact.
We came back into the game with two converted tries to lead 14 – 7, but OBM came back to score a converted try just on halftime – so 14 all at the break. The second half was just as tense as we traded periods of attack and defense. It came down to the last ten minutes again, and we were leading 29 – 21. Key moments in a game like missing kicks to touch from penalties and OBM are masters of the counterattack. In the end they finished stronger and we have to learn how to finish a game. Our team put up a great effort and is definitely growing as a team.
A great effort from lock forward Max Gomez who was POD for the second week in a row. He played the whole match carrying an injury, but his experience showed out in a tight game. Centre Bryson Ioane continued his strong season and is developing well and the consistent loose-head prop Blake Tresidder showed his skill set at scrum time and around the field, is up with the bigger forwards he comes up against every week.
The competition points table is very tight after four rounds of the Maddison Trophy. Pirates, Taradale & OB Marist are leading on 15 points. HRS is 4th on 14 points with Tech & Havelock next on 12 points. Old Boys Marist has two easy games left and should finish on top of the round robin. However, we have Three TEST matches left – Two at home. Lets get out and support our team as the opportunity for top four is right in front of us!
POD Points: Max Gomez 3 points, Bryson Ioane 2, Blake Tresidder 1.
Point Scorers: Oscar Sowman, Blake Tresidder, Caleb Horsefield, Louie Uregei Tries. Oscar Sowman 3 Conversions, 1 Penalty.
Oscar Sowman remains the top point scorer in the Premier Club Comp with 141 points. This includes 8 tries, 43 conversions and 5 penalty goals. The next best try scorer is JJ Lilo – Iosefo with 7.