The U18 NZ Falcons have come up short against a classy MPJFL Interleague side as they were defeated by 30 points on Friday night in Hastings, Victoria.
The home side was greeted by a vocal Haka before the match as the Falcon’s looked to repeat last year’s famous first victory.
After an even first 10 minutes at the start of the game, the home side were first to hit the scoreboard.
The Falcons worked their way back into the game through some good play from Liam Mayes in the half back flank and great attacking pressure from Will Kempt saw Tom Turner pick up the crumbs and slot New Zealand’s first goal.
They continued to apply the pressure up front which saw Lachlan Salmon awarded a free kick 40 out and put the Falcons in front when he kicked true.
GOAL! 2 in a row for the Falcons as Lachlan ‘Fish’ Salmon kicks his first from a set shot. #GoFalcons pic.twitter.com/jsEWnnnkwG
— AFL New Zealand (@AFLNZ) April 26, 2019
New Zealand held a slight lead at the first change but the home side came out firing in the second quarter stringing together some great passages of play.
The Falcons got back on even terms when Jarrod Hill set up Lachlan Salmon for his second goal before kicking a goal himself 3 minutes later.
GOAL! The Falcons get one straight back as Lachie Salmon bends one home. Great set up work from Jarrod Hill. #GoFalcons
— AFL New Zealand (@AFLNZ) April 26, 2019
New Zealand gave away a 50 metre penalty just before the final siren which saw the home side kick a goal and take an 8 point lead intro the halftime break.
MPJFL controlled the majority of the third term as they stretched their lead to 22 points at 3 quarter time.
Xavier Mexted had a strong quarter gathering multiple possessions playing of the half back line.
In the final term, it was the home side who kicked the first goal of the quarter to extend their margin to 30 points.
New Zealand got a late consolation goal through Lachlan Salmon but it was too late to spark a comeback.
The Falcons produced some great footy throughout the match but came up against a classy MPJFL side who deserved their victory.
Lachlan Salmon played well in the forward line providing a number of options for the midfielders to deliver the ball up front and ended with 3 goals for the game.
The backline all had a strong game for the Falcons and were doing all they were asked by the coaches. Caleb Macpherson was especially a standout taking a number of contested marks.
Best on ground Kieron Charlton was phenomenal playing in defence. He managed to stop multiple entries into the MPJFL forward 50 and was composed when put under pressure.
AFL New Zealand would like to acknowledge the hard work of MPJFL President Andrew Souter and his team on making this trip possible and providing the opportunity to play against quality opposition.
Thanks to all the supporters who made the trip over and cheered on the team and to everyone back home showing their support online.
A big thanks to Tim Stevens, Jun Tanlayco, Tristan Burnett and Josh Morgan-Ranui.
Goals:
Lachlan Salmon 3, Tom Turner 1, Jarrod Hill 1
Best on Ground:
Kieron Charlton, Lachlan Salmon, Ethan Halton, Jarrod Hill, Caleb Macpherson
