The New Zealand U18’s have shown some great signs in their first game of the 2023 Melbourne tour, after a good first half against a very strong Hastings U19’s side.
Played at the Hastings Club in the Mornington Peninsula in front of a healthy crowd with many spectators experiencing a haka for the first time.
The first game for all of the NZ boys lights saw them need a little bit of time to adjust to the conditions of a night match. which saw Hastings take an early lead. However, Hastings were not to keep the NZ U18’s down for long, with the boys kicking two great goals through Cameron Howison and Cody Beale.
Tane Kirton opened the scoring in the second quarter, kicking a great goal from the forward pocket. The Hastings U19 side were well drilled and their experience and conditioning made them tough opponents and as the game went on their pace and fitness let them play a fast brand of footy that was hard to compete with.
Facing one of the best teams in the local footy competition, the NZ boys knew they were in for a challenge and they did very well to hold their own, and strung together some brilliant passages of play to break through the Hastings defense.
A game of many firsts for the NZ team, Head Coach Justin Gauci was impressed with what he saw and looked forward to building upon the positive signs shown by the boys in the first game and preparing for their second game against the Mornington Peninsula U17’s.
Game 2 starts at 7:00pm (AEST) / 9:00pm (NZST) tonight at Bluscope Recreation Reserve
Goal Scorers
Cameron Howison 1, Cody Beale 1, Tane Kirton 1.
Best on Ground
Lachie McBride
