The Waitakere Magpies still remain unbeaten in the AAFL as they held off a fast finishing North Shore Tigers side in Round 7 of the competition.
In the other remaining games, University and Manurewa played out a cracking game at Mountfort Park while Mt Roskill kicked 25 goals to score a big win over the Panthers at Bell Park in Pakuranga.
Manurewa Raiders vs University Blues
30th October, 2.00pm, Mountfort Park, Manurewa
University travelled to Manurewa to take on the Raiders at Mountfort Park and both sides were focused on coming away with the win.
Manurewa took it to the defending premiers early through midfielder Zeon McNabb. The Wesley College student continues to get better each game with his strong aerial ability. McNabb will be one to watch for in the upcoming AFL New Zealand Premiership in February 2017.
Blues players, Ben Hick and Time Stokes were phenomenal all game off the half back flank and through the middle of the park. They frustrated the Raiders with some great interceptions and their run and carry up the ground showed why they are at the top of their game.
Another solid game from Stephen Parton up front who once again took strong marks in the forward line where he was accompanied by Kyle Wiltenburg and John Prins.
The Blues showed their class to hold onto a three goal win and cement their spot in the AAFL top four.
Notable performance from Ray Castle from Manurewa who had an outstanding game from the Raiders and a respectable game from the young side as they were beaten by over 100 points by University earlier in the season.
Waitakere Magpies vs North Shore Tigers
30th October, 2.00pm, Parrs Park, Oratia
When these two sides met back in Round 2 of the season, the Tigers had an off day while the Magpies were classy as they beat North Shore by 50 points. Both teams went into the game with their number one sides and it a top of the table clash to remember.
The Tigers were first to get on the score board as they kicked a few early goals through Joey Alesich-Tamariki. Full Forward Mitch Ryan was also handy as they went into the first break with a one goal lead.
At Quarter time, Waitakere coach Craig Goodhue said the right messages as the Magpies forward line kicked four goals to retake the lead while the backline was on fire as they kept the Tigers scoreless for the second quarter.
Captain Shane Leat was once again instrumental for the Pies as he linked well Carlos Donnell-Brown who provided full forward Dan McGregor with some quality ball in the final term.
North Shore ruckman Tyler Paull proved why he is an ex NZ Volleyball representative as he dominated the ruck and sparked a late comeback for the Tigers but it was too little too late as the Magpies held onto a 10 point win and still remain undefeated in the AAFL competition.
Notable performances from North Shore players, Dane Strickland, Josh Cunliffe and Mitch Ryan.
Mt Roskill Saints vs Pakuranga Panthers
30th October, 2.00pm, Bell Park, Pakuranga
In windy conditions at Bell Park in Pakuranga, the Saints blew some early chances in front of goal along with some great defence from the Panthers side as they held the away team to only four goals at the first break.
Missing their inspirational Captain Sam McKenzie for the game, the Saints called on Patrick Gibbs to step up in the middle of the park. Gibbs had a solid game along with stand in Captain Matt Kemp and Will Dickinson who is making a strong case to be the leagues best and fairest winner.
After getting use to the conditions, Mt Roskill moved up a gear as they kicked the Saints put together some consistent footy. An eight goal third quarter and a nine goal final term set up a massive win for the Saints.
Andy McKenzie was dominant up front as he kicked eight goals and was well supported by Dan Carman who came away with three for the match.
The big win moved the Saints into second place on the ladder and will take on North Shore next weekend.
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
Story – AAFL.co.nz
