One Each to NZ and Australia in Age Group Games

PRESS RELEASE

ONE EACH TO NZ AND AUSTRALIA IN AGE GROUP GAMES

Whangarei, New Zealand, September 30, 2013 - Northland rugby league fans turned out in their hundreds to enjoy a great day’s entertainment at Toll Stadium, Whangarei. First up was the Youth Event, hosted by NZRL / NRL Wellbeing and Education manager Joe Harawira. Along with local rugby league star Elijah Taylor, Harawira was joined by staff from Northtec, the NZ Fire Service, the NZ Defence Force and the NZ Police. After Taylor talked to the young people about the challenges he faced growing up and in his league career, the organisations gave short presentations about what their organisations had to offer now and in the future, then everyone got to test their strength, rowing skills, ability to carry a fire service dummy and did a fun and interesting Police test.

Then it was on to the footy and despite rain squalls and strong winds forcing the youth event inside, a good crowd had gathered, waiting for gates to open. As is often the way, once the league got underway the skies cleared and both games were played in reasonable conditions.

Initially the NZ Residents 16s (16s) and the Queensland Academy (QA) match was a stop start affair punctuated by dropped balls, scrums and penalties. First to score were the 16s after a high kick bounced around in goal then the QA scored under the posts and it was 6-all at half time. In the second half both teams tightened up their play and there was some punishing defense from each. The 16s scored first after the break, and it was a see-sawing affair, until eventually QA scored two further two tries and the final score was 26 – 18 to the Queenslanders.

NZ Residents 18s (18s) and Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League (ASSRL) started in a similar fashion with the 18s scoring first, then ASSRL scoring two unconverted tries, before they had what appeared to be a third and certain try over-turned after the referee disallowed it for a shepherd. The 18s took advantage of the shift in momentum to lead 16 – 8 at half time. The second half was a tough battle with no quarter given by either side and the 18s pushing their Australian rivals backwards in some uncompromising tackles. Not to be outdone the ASSRL scored to take the lead before the last try went to the 18s. Final score 20-18 to the NZ Residents 18s.

Both teams play again, the 16s during the week and the 18s at the weekend.

At Toll Stadium, Whangarei:

NZ Residents 16s: 18 ( H Penn, J Flavell, S Hannam tries; M Hingano, Cummings (2) goals)

Queensland Academy: 26 (E Roberts, T Hope, K Palasia, L Lanskey (2) tries; L Spaander (3) goals)

Half time: 6-all

Referee: Kena Waikai

NZ Residents 18s: 20 (L Feagaiga, N Roache, M Love-Henry, O Ogden tries; B Abbey (2) goals)

Australian Secondary Schools RL: 18 (C Taylor, N Davis, J Hastings, J Nikorima tries; N Davis goal)

Half time: 16 - 8 (18s)

Referee: Aaron Donald

Still to come:

NZ Residents 16s v Queensland Academy of Sport

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura

Kick off: 2.30pm

NZ Residents 18s v Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Bert Henham Park, Otahuhu

Kick off: 12.45pm

ENDS

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