Match report 10th March 2012

“Premiers/Reserves pre-season trials - College Rifles  versus Te Papapa/Mt Wellington, at Haast Streeet, Saturday 10 March 2012 at 2.45pm

For the first round of the Waka Nathan Trophy for pre-season games, the selected Premiers trial squad of 26 were at home against Te Papapa/Mt Wellington Premiers.

In the first quarter of 20 minutes, Rifles started strongly. Kicking a penalty goal wirhin the first 5 minutes. Controlled and focussed forward play saw quick ball for distribution resulting in Rifles scoring 2 tries, of which both were converted:

Q1 Rifles 17, Te Papapa/Mt Wellington 0 

In the second quarter, Rifles continued to protect and use the ball well scoring 4 tries and coverting 3 of them. Te Papapa replied with 1 try and 2 penatlies:

Q2 Rifles 26, Te Papapa 11.

Resulting in a halftime score of College Rifles 43-Te Papapa/Mt Wellington 11 

The third quarter saw Te Papapa/Mt Wellington being allowed to get back into the game. This quarter was an intense struggle which was evenly fought out resulting in only one try being scored by College Rifles.

Q3 Rifles 5 , Te Papapa 0

In the final quarter, Rifles regained structure and control with both forwards and backs combining well to make good use of use the ball to gain position and finish strongly with a further 3 tries and 2 conversions, while Te Papapa scored 1 unconverted try.

Q4 Rifles 19, Te Papapa 16

 

Final Score College Rifles 67-Te Papapa/Mt Wellington 16

 

Scoring contributions made by H Edwards (2 tries); J Innes, J Cocker, A Hickey, P Aita-Iiana, A Ikiua, H Faiumu, D Heiu, and E Cocker  (1 try each); T Wells (5 conversions), R Scott (2 conversions); T Wells (1 penalty goal).

 

Overall, a positive result for Rifles with plenty to work on for the remaining games of the tournament in preparation for the season proper.”

The Premiers now take on Papatoetoe at Papatoetoe in the Quarter-Finals and the Resrves take on Papatoetoe Reserves at 12.30pm