With the Canterbury league all wrapped up for the season, the attention turns to Auckland and Wellington who are nearing the end of the home and away fixtures. With some big games coming up in both regions, all the teams will be playing their best footy in the lead up to the finals.
Auckland:
The Waitakere Magpies edged the University Blues to set up a great final round where 1st, 2nd and 3rd are still up for grabs. Mt Roskill have confirmed their place in the finals, but who will they face in their semi-final? Their fate rests in their hands – if they topple University, it could be the Magpies or the Tigers. All will be revealed in next Sunday!
Round 9 results:
The Waitakere Magpies continued their undefeated run at home, grinding out a narrow victory over their old enemy University Blues. In the top of the table clash, the Magpies came from behind late to snatch victory from the Blues. Some serious injuries including a broken leg to key ruckman Carl Gabriel will be a concern for the Magpies at the pointy end of the season.
Waitakere Magpies v University Blues: 6.15: 51 – 7.5: 47
The boys from the North Shore did what the Black Caps dearly need, someone to score 100! Too good for the Pakuranga Panthers, the Tigers wrapped this one up in style with outstanding performances from NZ Hawk ruckman Ty Smith and solid Tiger defender Brandon Sucu.
North Shore Tigers v Pakuranga Panthers: 15.10: 100 – 2.2: 14
Great to see another close match this round, but Manurewa couldn’t quite get the better of the Saints in this closely fought battle. Mt Roskill taking it by 13 points, and booking themselves a spot in the finals. Kudos to Manurewa for a stellar season, coming close in some nail biting matches, we look forward to their continued rise in 2016.
Mt Roskill Saints v Manurewa Raiders: 13.11: 89 – 12.4: 76
Wellington:
The Wellington City Saints scored a big 5 goal second quarter to set them up for a 40 point win over the young Hutt Valley Eagles. A great result for the Saints who have been building nicely through the season under coaches Gregor Kempt and Alan Kenyon. With the Demons and Bulldogs still to play in the last round they need to win both games and have other results go their way if they want to make the finals.
Wellington City Saints 10.12: 72
Hutt Valley Eagles 4.8: 32
Goals:
Saints:Hayden Mouritz 4, Connor O’Fee 2, Adam K 2, James Watkins, Sam Traynor
Eagles: Nathan Lenihan 2, Rhylee Ioane-Fidow, James Kusel,
The Demons got off to a flyer with a 5 goal first quarter, catching the Dogs napping. But as they do, the Bulldogs, came back strong in the second quarter kicking 3 goals to the Demons 1.
The second half was all about the Demons defence and stopped the Bulldogs from kicking another goal in the game. This was the first loss for the Bulldogs in over 3 years and will be a good wake-up call for them ahead of the grand-final that will likely be a rematch of the last 2 grand finals between the Demons and Bulldogs. This will also give confidence to the Demons who are hoping the saying “you need to lose one (or two) to win one” rings true.
North City Demons 9.6: 60
Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 3.5: 23
Goals:
Demons: Samuel McKenzie 5, Callum Watts Pointer 2, Alex Awatere, Jack Green
Bulldogs: Frank Grieve, James Terry, Tom Robinson
