Round 8 of the Auckland AFL saw the Waitakere Magpies take on the Howick Hornets at Paparoa Domain, with the Premiers coming away with a 40-point victory on Saturday afternoon.
The University Blues eased past the Mt Roskill Saints with a convincing 79-point win and over at Onepoto Domain, the North Shore Tigers clawed up a huge margin over the Manurewa Raiders, cementing their top of the table position with a 99-point win.
Howick Hornets vs Waitakere Magpies
4th November, 2.00pm, Paparoa Domain, Howick.
The Howick Hornets hosted defending premiers, the Waitakere Magpies on Saturday afternoon at Paparoa Domain in Howick.
The first quarter couldn’t have started any better for the Magpies. Kicking with a slight wind, the midfield trio of Joel Griffiths, Shane Leat and Sam Noack were dominant early on providing good attack into the forward line and forwards Jamie Hunt and Dusan Hakaria were making the Hornets pay with some early goals.
Waitakere took a nine goal to two lead into the halftime break off the back off some great defensive work by Magpies David Rattenbury, Nico Donnell-Brown and Josh Copeland.
Youngsters Clayton Walters and Jerome Goodhue stepped up when it was needed and putting head over the ball and taking great marks in trying conditions.
“We came in with some goals as a team and I am proud of the way we came out of Saturday. We are finally playing as a team and for one another, and this is the key component we have been missing all season.” Magpies Captain Shane Leat
Hornets forward Elliot Bennetts played well picking up dropped marks and used his pace to beat his opposition and kick 4 goals for the game.
Logan Kinnear was best for the Hornets. Playing on the wing, Kinnear was the pivotal link between the forward line and the back line and his work rate was unmatched all game.
The damage had already been done in the first half, but Howick didn’t give up all game. The Hornets outscored Waitakere in the second half and Skipper Ryan White was proud the way they played. “Really happy with how much effort the team puts in each week. We had two debutantes play in this match and they stepped up to the calibre of the Hornets and to keep Waitakere under 100 is a testament to the team.”
With two rounds remaining, the Hornets come up against the Manurewa Raiders next week followed by the North Shore Tigers and will look to finish the 2017 season strong.
University Blues vs Mt Roskill Saints
5th November, 2.00pm, Colin Maiden Park, Glen Innes.
It was a dominant and convincing performance by the University side yesterday as they put aside the Mt Roskill Saints by 79 points at Colin Maiden Park.
Knowing it was a big game and looking to atone for the loss a couple to the Saints a few weeks ago, the Blues came out with an intensity and hunger that they have yet to achieve previously this season.
From the first bounce University controlled the possession and had numerous opportunities inside their 50. Damian McDowell was a standout for the Blues playing off the half forward flank and was providing superb delivery into the forward line.
Mt Roskill came back at University in the second and third quarter with Jessie Baty and Matt Kemp working well together but University were able to withstand the attack and return fire. Thomas Taungakava was dominating in the ruck all day and Seb Serrano played the small midfield/forward role perfectly.
“It was a strong and comprehensive display for four quarters which was pleasing to see but only a stepping stone towards the next 3 to 4 weeks leading into the pointy end of the season.” University Head Coach Chris Mundell.
The win keeps University in third place on the AAFL ladder and is looking increasingly likely that they will finish the regular season in that position.
North Shore Tigers vs Manurewa Raiders
5th November, 2.00pm, Onepoto Domain, Northcote.
The North Shore Tigers have dominated the Auckland AFL all season and that was no different yesterday as they came up against a depleted Manurewa Raiders side at Onepoto Domain.
The Tigers were dominant from the first whistle jumping out to a solid lead early on thanks to small forwards Josh Cunliffe and Josh Sedgwick who had superb work-rate all game.
Tyler Paull was versatile as he spent some time in the ruck but moved into the forward line in the second half. His work in the midfield was second to none as Paull and fellow Tiger Rhys Pegoraro controlled the middle of the field.
Running out 99-point winners, the Tigers are in a healthy position to finish the regular season as minor premiers and will come up against a resurgent University side in Round 9.
Raiders youngster Braithan Anderson was among the best with Alex Fakatoumafi, Ray Castle and the ever reliable Vandyn Hartman also having strong performances.
Story – AAFL.co.nz
