elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY 10 def by 19 HARLEQUIN- HG Smith Oval, Parkville
Harlequin has continued their return to form with a tight win over Melbourne University, in a tough game of Rugby. Quins had struggled to reach the heights of 2013 so far this season, however look to be finding their feet as the march towards finals begins.
Quins were their own worst enemy during the match, with four players finding themselves sin binned throughout the afternoon. The Students, with wavering form and a number of injuries, are still yet to take down a top four side since their Round One victory Box Hill. For University Head Coach Jason Jones, losing to the reigning Premiers in a close battle was no consolation as crucial errors proved to be the difference for his side.
"Harlequin came out and tried to slow our expansive game down, and to their credit they did through the break down," Jones said. "Perhaps last year we would have been satisfied with the result, but this year the Clubs own expectations and base lining have changed considerably.
"Sam Jeffries again played a solid 80 minutes; his work and engine rate for such a big unit is very impressive, and he even brought out the chip kick. He has a very mature head on such young shoulders and is an absolute credit to the Rebels' organisation.
"Isa Halo had his best game for the Club by a fair margin. He is only a young man, in a very young back line, and is starting to find his niche. When he darts and breaches the line, we look a different side. Ant James was also outstanding after being a late call up on Friday night. Some players take being moved from the starting side or lower grades as a negative. Ant took the feedback he was given and worked hard to rectify and improve those areas of his game."
Melbourne University 10 Tries: Anthony James, George Stewart. Conversions: nil. Penalties: nil.
Harlequin 19 Tries: Pom Simona, Craig McGrath, Alex Rokobaro. Conversions: Lloyd Johansson. Penalties: nil
MOORABBIN 29 def 23 POWER HOUSE - Keys Road Reserve, Cheltenham
Power House put up a serious fight in a top against bottom clash, however weren't quite strong enough to serve the ladder leaders their first defeat of the season. The visitors' defence, which has been lacking all season, looked to be much improved against a solid attack.
The Rams, despite remaining undefeated, have been challenged in recent matches with a draw to Box Hill followed by narrow wins against Melbourne and Southern Districts. Moorabbin's Head Coach Ben Perenise is now looking forward to the team's Round Nine bye ahead of the second half of the season.
"Power House were very competitive at the breakdown, and not only slowed our ball but they managed to win a few turnovers. They were aggressive and stayed in the game for 80 minutes," Perenise said. "Too many errors in the first half and our inability to win and set a platform off set pieces created very little opportunities.
"Our best player of the day was young Alex Fowles who was solid and very mature in his work. His game has improved each week. Special mention to Patolo Toeta who at full back was solid on defence, making a few try-saving tackles. He is another one of our young players playing with a lot of maturity. The boys will be happy that the first round is over with a bye next week."
Moorabbin 29 Tries: Max Lahiff, Mana Faraimo, Machon Samu, Malo Young-Yen. Conversions: Neli Sasulu (4). Penalties: Neli Sasulu.
Power House 23 Tries: Sean Cressy (2). Conversions: Adam Millgate (2). Penalties: Adam Millgate (3).
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 13 drew with 13 FOOTSCRAY - Riviera Park, Eels Race Road Seaford
With four sides sitting on a win apiece at the bottom of the ladder, this game posed the perfect opportunity for the Footscray or Southern Districts to break away from the lower group as the halfway point of the season approaches.
This however was not to be, as victory escaped both sides with a tough low scoring battle ending in a draw. It was an incredibly physical game according to Footscray Head Coach Nic Henderson, with Lopeti Timani impressing on his return from injury.
"It wasn't a game played to the high standards both teams would expect from one another, but still a hotly fought contest none the less," Henderson said. "Both teams applied plenty of pressure inside the opposition 22's, but great defence from both teams snuffed out most opportunities.
"Lopeti had a solid game in tight, with plenty of strong carries to get our team over the gain line in his first game back from injury. He will definitely get better each week as he regains much needed match fitness."
Southern Districts Head Coach Ross Sanders was pleased with his side's defence, with mistakes in attack letting the Pirates down.
"A staunch and hearty defensive effort kept us in the game for the majority however this only highlights our inability to acquire and retain possession," said Sanders. "We were pretty careless with some of the ball we got and this made it difficult to build pressure.
"Both Bradley Nicholson at seven and Sean Mehrtens at flyhalf were very busy in defence, whilst Heine McFarland at fullback and Gasa Tiatia in the midfield made the most of limited attacking opportunities."
Southern Districts 13 Tries: Jarrod Eberhart. Conversions: Heine McFarland. Penalties: Heine McFarland (2).
Footscray 13 Tries: Jonah Lolesio, Tupine Apineru. Conversions: nil. Penalties: Shane Imo
BOX HILL 51 def 19 ENDEAVOUR HILLS - Sparks Reserve, Middleborough Rod, Box Hill
Box Hill have continued their run of incredible form, with their scintillating attack handing Endeavour Hills a 32 point belting at home.
The Broncos have now scored almost 100 points more this season than any other side, with a percentage of 170 a testament to their fierce attacking style of Rugby. The addition of Rebel Angus Roberts at flyhalf provided additional spark to a dominant attacking side with two tries to his name.
Endeavour Hills Head Coach John Eden was left disappointed in his side, with his backline faltering under the Bronco's pressure.
"My forwards played very well. We dominated the break down and managed to turn the ball over pretty much at will," Eden Said. "Problems started when we turned the ball over in the backs or we missed a tackle in the backs. I think Box Hill scored at least five 70 metre-plus tries.
"My best players were our nineteen year old loose head prop, David Savea. He seems to be nearly best on ground week after week. Our new scrumhalf Jon Mokomoko, who has just arrived from New Zealand, has great direction and vision. He likes telling the forwards what to do and we need that."
Broncos' Head Coach Andrew Slyfield could again walk away pleased with his team's effort, however is still challenging the side to get better each week.
"We were very happy to come away from the game with the five points and get through the match injury free," said Slyfield. "Endeavour Hills played well and really tested us especially around the breakdown. The score line wasn't a true reflection of the game but more importantly the game highlighted areas we need to work on especially if we are going to be any real threat to the top teams in the competition this year. The whole team knows we have a lot of improvement to make.
"Number Eight Mo Haukinima again led well from the front and continues to have a massive impact in the game. He was well supported by Ratu Rokotunaceva who has moved to loosehead prop to allow young South African Greg Bauer to start at hooker. Greg had a strong game especially around the contact zone and was often needed to protect the loose ball."
Box Hill 51 Tries: Angus Roberts (2), Bill Seveti (2), Savenaca Waqalutu (2), Sefanaia Naivalu, Filipe Koroibola, Greg Bauer. Conversions: Sefanaia Naivalu (3). Penalties: nil.
Endeavour Hills 19 Tries: Ed Tiniselli, Rennie Malimeav. Conversions: Jon Mokomoko (2). Penalties: nil.
Harlequin has continued their return to form with a tight win over Melbourne University, in a tough game of Rugby. Quins had struggled to reach the heights of 2013 so far this season, however look to be finding their feet as the march towards finals begins.
Quins were their own worst enemy during the match, with four players finding themselves sin binned throughout the afternoon. The Students, with wavering form and a number of injuries, are still yet to take down a top four side since their Round One victory Box Hill. For University Head Coach Jason Jones, losing to the reigning Premiers in a close battle was no consolation as crucial errors proved to be the difference for his side.
"Harlequin came out and tried to slow our expansive game down, and to their credit they did through the break down," Jones said. "Perhaps last year we would have been satisfied with the result, but this year the Clubs own expectations and base lining have changed considerably.
"Sam Jeffries again played a solid 80 minutes; his work and engine rate for such a big unit is very impressive, and he even brought out the chip kick. He has a very mature head on such young shoulders and is an absolute credit to the Rebels' organisation.
"Isa Halo had his best game for the Club by a fair margin. He is only a young man, in a very young back line, and is starting to find his niche. When he darts and breaches the line, we look a different side. Ant James was also outstanding after being a late call up on Friday night. Some players take being moved from the starting side or lower grades as a negative. Ant took the feedback he was given and worked hard to rectify and improve those areas of his game."
Melbourne University 10 Tries: Anthony James, George Stewart. Conversions: nil. Penalties: nil.
Harlequin 19 Tries: Pom Simona, Craig McGrath, Alex Rokobaro. Conversions: Lloyd Johansson. Penalties: nil
MOORABBIN 29 def 23 POWER HOUSE - Keys Road Reserve, Cheltenham
Power House put up a serious fight in a top against bottom clash, however weren't quite strong enough to serve the ladder leaders their first defeat of the season. The visitors' defence, which has been lacking all season, looked to be much improved against a solid attack.
The Rams, despite remaining undefeated, have been challenged in recent matches with a draw to Box Hill followed by narrow wins against Melbourne and Southern Districts. Moorabbin's Head Coach Ben Perenise is now looking forward to the team's Round Nine bye ahead of the second half of the season.
"Power House were very competitive at the breakdown, and not only slowed our ball but they managed to win a few turnovers. They were aggressive and stayed in the game for 80 minutes," Perenise said. "Too many errors in the first half and our inability to win and set a platform off set pieces created very little opportunities.
"Our best player of the day was young Alex Fowles who was solid and very mature in his work. His game has improved each week. Special mention to Patolo Toeta who at full back was solid on defence, making a few try-saving tackles. He is another one of our young players playing with a lot of maturity. The boys will be happy that the first round is over with a bye next week."
Moorabbin 29 Tries: Max Lahiff, Mana Faraimo, Machon Samu, Malo Young-Yen. Conversions: Neli Sasulu (4). Penalties: Neli Sasulu.
Power House 23 Tries: Sean Cressy (2). Conversions: Adam Millgate (2). Penalties: Adam Millgate (3).
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 13 drew with 13 FOOTSCRAY - Riviera Park, Eels Race Road Seaford
With four sides sitting on a win apiece at the bottom of the ladder, this game posed the perfect opportunity for the Footscray or Southern Districts to break away from the lower group as the halfway point of the season approaches.
This however was not to be, as victory escaped both sides with a tough low scoring battle ending in a draw. It was an incredibly physical game according to Footscray Head Coach Nic Henderson, with Lopeti Timani impressing on his return from injury.
"It wasn't a game played to the high standards both teams would expect from one another, but still a hotly fought contest none the less," Henderson said. "Both teams applied plenty of pressure inside the opposition 22's, but great defence from both teams snuffed out most opportunities.
"Lopeti had a solid game in tight, with plenty of strong carries to get our team over the gain line in his first game back from injury. He will definitely get better each week as he regains much needed match fitness."
Southern Districts Head Coach Ross Sanders was pleased with his side's defence, with mistakes in attack letting the Pirates down.
"A staunch and hearty defensive effort kept us in the game for the majority however this only highlights our inability to acquire and retain possession," said Sanders. "We were pretty careless with some of the ball we got and this made it difficult to build pressure.
"Both Bradley Nicholson at seven and Sean Mehrtens at flyhalf were very busy in defence, whilst Heine McFarland at fullback and Gasa Tiatia in the midfield made the most of limited attacking opportunities."
Southern Districts 13 Tries: Jarrod Eberhart. Conversions: Heine McFarland. Penalties: Heine McFarland (2).
Footscray 13 Tries: Jonah Lolesio, Tupine Apineru. Conversions: nil. Penalties: Shane Imo
BOX HILL 51 def 19 ENDEAVOUR HILLS - Sparks Reserve, Middleborough Rod, Box Hill
Box Hill have continued their run of incredible form, with their scintillating attack handing Endeavour Hills a 32 point belting at home.
The Broncos have now scored almost 100 points more this season than any other side, with a percentage of 170 a testament to their fierce attacking style of Rugby. The addition of Rebel Angus Roberts at flyhalf provided additional spark to a dominant attacking side with two tries to his name.
Endeavour Hills Head Coach John Eden was left disappointed in his side, with his backline faltering under the Bronco's pressure.
"My forwards played very well. We dominated the break down and managed to turn the ball over pretty much at will," Eden Said. "Problems started when we turned the ball over in the backs or we missed a tackle in the backs. I think Box Hill scored at least five 70 metre-plus tries.
"My best players were our nineteen year old loose head prop, David Savea. He seems to be nearly best on ground week after week. Our new scrumhalf Jon Mokomoko, who has just arrived from New Zealand, has great direction and vision. He likes telling the forwards what to do and we need that."
Broncos' Head Coach Andrew Slyfield could again walk away pleased with his team's effort, however is still challenging the side to get better each week.
"We were very happy to come away from the game with the five points and get through the match injury free," said Slyfield. "Endeavour Hills played well and really tested us especially around the breakdown. The score line wasn't a true reflection of the game but more importantly the game highlighted areas we need to work on especially if we are going to be any real threat to the top teams in the competition this year. The whole team knows we have a lot of improvement to make.
"Number Eight Mo Haukinima again led well from the front and continues to have a massive impact in the game. He was well supported by Ratu Rokotunaceva who has moved to loosehead prop to allow young South African Greg Bauer to start at hooker. Greg had a strong game especially around the contact zone and was often needed to protect the loose ball."
Box Hill 51 Tries: Angus Roberts (2), Bill Seveti (2), Savenaca Waqalutu (2), Sefanaia Naivalu, Filipe Koroibola, Greg Bauer. Conversions: Sefanaia Naivalu (3). Penalties: nil.
Endeavour Hills 19 Tries: Ed Tiniselli, Rennie Malimeav. Conversions: Jon Mokomoko (2). Penalties: nil.
