The Waitakere Magpies have claimed the 2016 Auckland AFL minor Premiership with still two rounds remaining after they claimed four points during Round 8 of the competition.
The West Auckland side have been undefeated so far this season and will be favourites for the flag when finals roll around in just over two weeks time. Coached by former player Craig Goodhue and Captained by the experienced Shane leat, the Pies are a tough skillful side who never give up. With a big test against University next week followed by a final round game against Manurewa, Waitakere will stroll into the finals oozing with confidence.
University Blues vs North Shore Tigers
6th November, 2.00pm, Colin Maiden Park.
Last years two grand finalists, University and North Shore continued their rivalry at Colin Maiden Park in Glen Innes on Sunday. Both sides sit third and fourth respectively and a win could boost both teams into second place.
It was University who took the spoils this time around as they won by 28 points. Ben Hick and James Monaghan were outstanding for the Blues, gathering multiple possessions and setting up some great link play with Chris Bailey and Kyle Wiltenburg.
Coach Chris Mundell said that it was “A complete performance in which we were able to establish our playing style and match it with our execution”.
Chris Wong was voted best on ground for the Tigers with plenty of touches and contesting every ball that came his way. Ruckman Ty Smith and Mitch Ryan also performed for the Tigers.
University’s confidence will be boosted by the win and sets up what will be a mouth watering game next week when they take on the minor Premiers, the Waitakere Magpies next Sunday.
Notable mentions go to Finn Wilson and Brad Ingram from the Blues and Connor McWilliams and Justin Du Toit from the Tigers.
Mt Roskill Saints vs Manurewa Raiders
6th November, 2.00pm, War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill
The Manurewa Raiders travelled to War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill to take on a red hot Saints side who were looking to cement a top two spot on the AAFL Ladder.
After a fairly even first quarter, the Saints piled on the pressure in the second and third quarters as they took control of the centre clearances and piled on the goals through forwards, Nick Bailey, Dan Carman and Andy McKenzie.
It was a great ruck battle between William Dickinson (Saints) and Zeon McNabb (Raiders) as they pushed each other during every contest. Tauranga based Raiders player Josh Allen continues to impress as he was strong of the half back line.
Three late goals in the final quarter sparked a late comeback by the Raiders, but it was too little too late as the Saints recorded an 80 point win. This keeps them in second place on the ladder and will host the North Shore Tigers next week in Round 9.
Notable mentions go to Ray Castle and Vandyn ‘Diesel’ Hartman from the Raiders and George Walker (debut) and Jake Taylor from the Saints.
Team: Played: Won: Lost: Draw: %: Points: 1 
10 9 0 1 197 38 2 
10 6 3 1 192 26 3 
10 6 3 1 178 26 4 
10 5 4 1 126 22 5 
10 2 8 42 8 6 
10 0 10 19 0
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Story – www.aafl.co.nz
