The Howick Hornets have claimed their first win in 2017 after defeating the Manurewa Raiders by 18 points in round 3 of the Auckland AFL season.
In other results, the Waitakere Magpies continue to impress as they ran over the Mt Roskill Saints by 3 goals and over on the North Shore, the Tigers crushed the ladder leading University Blues by piling on 15 goals to record an impressive 77 point victory.
Mt Roskill Saints vs Waitakere Magpies
17th September, 2.00pm, War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill.
Defending Premiers, Waitakere Magpies, travelled to Mt Roskill to take on the Saints on Sunday afternoon.
It was a very tight contest in the first quarter and Waitakere were clinical right from the first bounce. Kicking into the wind, the Magpies midfield worked hard to feed the ball into their forward line and Obe Porter managed to score the first and only goal of the quarter.
Jamie Gresham was having a field day in the backline for the 2017 premiers. His intercept marking and strong running in defence made it tough for the Saints to score.
The Magpies came out in the second quarter with intent and delivered the ball strong into the forward line. Forward Jamie hunt was a strong target taking multiple contested marks and slotting two goals for the quarter.
The Saints clawed their way back into the game after the main break as the Magpies fell off the pace conceding three goals. But a change in attitude and better defensive running in the final term helped hold Waitakere’s lead and take the victory.
For the second week in a row, Magpies forward Joel Griffiths iced the game for the West Auckland side with the final goal of the game.
Debutant Tevita Boseiwaqa was outstanding in the ruck for the Magpies receiving their best on ground.
“It wasn’t a strong performance from the side today but we are happy with the win.” Waitakere Captain and New Zealand representative Shane Leat.
Howick Hornets vs Manurewa Raiders
17th September, 2.00pm, Paparoa Domain, Howick.
The Howick Hornets turned up ready to play this match after a week of great preparation and with strong numbers, they were able to pick the strongest side yet.
Right from the first bounce the two teams were evenly matched with both sides kicking quick goals to get themselves on the scoreboard and settle the nerves.
Manurewa went into half time a goal up and the game was in the balance.
Hornets ruckman Alan Rathburn found his rhythm in the second half and the Hornets started to control the centre clearances. Forward Andrew Azzopardi kicked five goals for the game and linked well with Logan Kinnear who efforts in both attack and defence didn’t go unnoticed on the wing.
In defence, Howick Fullback Tim Elsey troubled his much taller opponent all game while Centre Half Back Peter Jones was awarded best on ground for his defensive efforts playing in his debut game.
In the final quarter, Howick’s fitness meant they continued to put pressure on the Raiders for all four quarters and with the majority of the play inside the Hornets forward 50, they managed to kick three goals to put the game out of reach and claim their first victory.
North Shore Tigers vs University Blues
17th September, 2.00pm, Onepoto Domain, Northcote.
The North Shore Tigers were keen to make amends after last weeks close to to the Magpies when they hosted the unbeaten University Blues at Onepoto Domain on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers held their inaugural ‘Ladies Day’ where the Club treated their partners to complimentary drinks and nibbles during the game.
North Shore were close to a full strength side with a couple of first year players rewarded with selection after their early season form (Ronan Bourre and Josh Sedgwick). The Tigers burst out of the block early kicking three goals in as many minutes as they caught University napping.
University could do nothing to stop the Tigers and the switch of Rob Mostert up forward paid dividends with him kicking a couple of early goals. The forwards created a lot of space for each other and were rewarded with a 9 goals from as many shots at the end of the first half.
The fearsome Tiger backline was back to its old self led by some courageous efforts from best on ground Beau Phillips along with some strong runs out the 50 that University had little answer for.
“Coming off two wins against weaker opposition we may not have seen the areas we are lacking in, but today’s performance has certainly shone a light on them. It will be long, tough week for us to bounce back against Waitakere but I am confident that we have the personnel, the game plan and the ability to do so.” University Blues Head coach Chris Mundell.
The kicking accuracy dropped off in the second half which will be a work on in what was a very polished performance by the Tigers.
University Blues Best: Damien Mcdowell, Chris Bailey, Stephen Parton.
North Shore Best : Beau Phillips, Rob Mostert, Dane Strickland, Adam Paterson.
Story – AAFL
