Vaughan Reports...

Week 2 - Mens Prem

Fraser Tech found Speights University “B” more competitive than expected and failed to take early opportunities. Tech’s Te Hai Wells broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a field goal and brother Owen Mitai-Wells slotted in from close range minutes later to give side a two goal half time advantage. This week Tech welcomed the inclusion of Junior Black Stick Hugo Inglis and Waikato U18 rep Kyle Westerman, with both converting second half PC opportunities. Darren Luckin completed the scoring with a touch in making up for some earlier missed opportunities. Although this was Speights University’s debut game in the Premier grade, Coach Billy Emeny was very pleased with the manner in which they played remaining competitive throughout the game with some resolute defence led by goalie Chris Lawry. In a reversal from last week’s game, the Tech forwards were often guilty of poor option taking at times.

In the game of the round The RIV Suburbs-Piako bounced back from last week’s loss against Tech to beat Hamilton Old Boy’s 4-3. Suburbs led early through a well taken Gwylim Prosser field goal and dominated a customarily slow starting Old Boy’s unit. A well executed PC conversion to Aaron Clulow and a diving deflection from Auke Idema found an unmarked Hayden Ripia to convert a field goal giving Suburbs a handy 3 nil half time lead. Matt Luxford looked to have sealed the win but in another Old Boy’s come back, back to back drag flicked PC conversions to Chris Pearce and a simple tap in from Michael Petherick set up a frenetic conclusion. Suburbs held out the fast finishing Old Boys forward onslaught with evergreen defender Ian Haste and goalie Justin Butcher solid on defence.

CDB University “A” proved far too strong for Waikato Harlequins, a trialling U18 squad, racing to a 4-1 half time lead with goals to Sam Broadbent, Raynesh Smith, Craig Hardman & Chris Marr.  Harlequins replied through Zac Woods. Varsity continued the rout with Smith (4) Broadbent (3) & Marr (3) completing their hat tricks eventually running away to win 12-1. Varsity coach Ian Williams had most of his squad back this week and the previously injured Raynesh Smith in particular having an outstanding game. Junior Black Stick squad member Tom Lysaght in his first appearance in goal for the students was equally impressive including saving a penalty stroke.