Stingrays Bully Vipers for Big Win

Stingrays Bully Vipers for Big Win

Wing Raymond Talimalie secured a hat-trick of tries, as his Counties Manukau Stingrays ran rampant over the visiting Central Vipers 84-20 in their NZRL National Premiership encounter at Papakura’s Massey Park.

Fresh from a 70-point win over Northern Swords last week, the South Aucklanders were again in high-scoring mood, running in 15 tries, 12 of which were converted by half Mikaere Beattie.

The Vipers started the better of the two sides, though, capitalising on a couple of lapses to put Tamu Mausii over for the opening try.

Talimalie responded with his first touchdown of the day, followed by Sione Feao and Zaccheus Chong Nee, as the Stingrays took the driver’s seat.

Rakai Tuheke had another for the Central side, closing the deficit to 16-12, but the next 50 minutes were one-way traffic, with the big Counties forwards carving up the Vipers defence and setting the table for their backs.

The home team piled on 56 unanswered points, before their opponents rallied down the stretch, with two more tries to salvage some pride.

Feao, Chong Nee and Rory Marshall-Barton had try-scoring doubles. Counties Manukau now have two big wins from three outings this season.

At Porirua Park, Wellington Orcas fell to their first defeat of the competition, with Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions prevailing 30-8.

Yannis Mea had a try double, scoring on halftime to give his side a slim 10-8 advantage.

With six minutes remaining, the Orcas were still within a converted try, but the Stallions crossed three times in the closing moments to blow out the scoreline.

Wai-Coa-Bay also have two wins from three games, one of which was an upset of the Stingrays in the opening round.

Tomorrow, defending champions Rockcote Canterbury Bulls host Akarana Falcons, who desperately need a win to get their season under way, after a draw and a bye.

NZRL National Premiership
Saturday, September 12
Massey Park, Papakura
Counties Manukau Stingrays 84 (Raymond Talimalie 3, Rory Marshall-Barton 2, Zaccheus Chong Nee 2, Sione Feao 2, Andrew Tusiane, Arthur Crichton, Saipani Aiolupo, Uila Aiolupo, King Vuniyama & Reece Charlie tries; Mikaere Beattie 12 goals) Central Vipers 20 (Vailoa Kereti, Matt Murtha, Tamu Mausii & Rakai Tuheke tries; Murtha 2 goals) 20; HT: 40-12

Porirua Park, Wellington
Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions 30 (Yannis Mea 2, Tamati Marr, Terry Kopua, Vinnie Morunga & Jeremy Siulepa tries; Hayden Karena 3 goals) Wellington Orcas 8 (Patrick Ahnau & David Saumolia tries); HT: 10-8

Sunday, September 13
AMI Stadium, Christchurch, 2.30pm
Rockcote Canterbury Bulls v Akarana Falcons

ENDS

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