Rugby Results 28 May 2016

Write up by Trey Tupu South – images by Jack Hall

Fine Inisi’s fast feet and incredible fend saw him flourish within Westlake’s win over Whangarei this Saturday, as the fifth round of the 1st XV competition commenced. The second-five satisfied home field support with an unprecedented five tries, accounting for twenty-five points of Westlake’s overwhelming 74-0 win.

Despite Whangarei’s strong performance against Rosmini just two weeks ago, their presence was ultimately unfelt by Westlake, which overran the team in every area of the game. Beginning with a try, scored by blindside flanker Casey Forsyth just two minutes into the match, Westlake continued their attack with the aid of a strong tail wind, which first-five Cooper Green used to pin Whangarei in their own 22.

Halfback Jack Heighton also showcased great intelligence by kicking off the back of the ruck into open spaces down the field. One kick was recovered by Cam Hey and passed to Fine Inisi for his second try of the match. Although Whangarei attempted to mount an assault of their own, they were met by a monstrous defense, with one player having to be carried off of the field after a bone-crunching tackle made by open side flanker Jacob Katipa. Unable to turn the tide, Whangarei let their frustration get the better of them in the latter part of the half and this saw their No.3 yellow carded. Fine Inisi secured his hat-trick in the twenty-ninth minute of the match, thanks to the great hands of the Westlake backline, putting Westlake ahead 36-0 at halftime.

Despite the wind working in their favour, Whangarei remained on the back foot headed into the second half, whilst Westlake remained relentless in attack. With the return of power forwards, prop Leon Thambarin and NO.8 Lotu Inisi in the second half, Westlake’s forward pack intensified. In one case they managed to drive a rolling maul twenty metres up the field before a series of rucks saw Jacob Katipa score in the left hand corner. Reserve kicker Casey Smith showcased remarkable kicking skills after his entrance at halftime, successfully converting the first three tries of the half, all scored in the corners. Fine Inisi demonstrated his unparalleled running ability yet again with the game’s single greatest act of brilliance, sprinting sixty metres to score his forth try of the match. Despite Westlake’s convincing lead, Whangarei never gave up. Instead, they demonstrated a highly commendable level of sportsmanship by fighting till the end. Unfortunately, their efforts were never rewarded, with Westlake closing the game as they had started it, with a try scored by No.17 Finlay Brewis.

Westlake Boys 1st XV vs Whangarei Boys High School – Saturday 28 May – Mr Young

Whanagrei joined the North Harbour competition this year and over the past two years have fielded a very competitive team. Given the forecast of poor weather, a tough day was expected. However, Westlake settled into their game plan very quickly and dominated the match entirely. The score line was a surprise to many.

Within the first two minutes Casey Forsyth had a clear run down the left wing to open the scoring and shortly after Fine Inisi dotted down – his first of 5 tries on the day. Whangarei’s defence was regularly broken and the score kept mounting. The strong wind at Westlake’s backs was used effectively and kept the opposition pinned deep in their own half.

Expecting a much tougher task playing into the wind, the team settled into their work and points were added soon after the start of the second half. Whangarei did threaten to score after a Westlake failed clearance kick followed by a lapse in the defences, however, the defence on the line was resolute. The try of the day was scored when the score was 62 – 0. Westlake won their lineout from a kick off and Jack Heighton went through space on the outside of his opposite number, a combination of passes between Jack Heighton and Fine Inisi saw Jack Fuller in possession and in space to run 40 meters to score under the posts. Fine Inisi was literally unstoppable on the day and he showed off his array of silky skills. The team will need to regather this week for a tough prospect, Massey on their home ground. This game is also to be shown live on SKY TV.

Scoreboard: Westlake 74 vs Whangarei 0 (Half time 36 – 0)
Tries: Leon Finlay Brewis; Blake Houghton; Casey Forsyth; Jacob Katipa, Fine Inisi (5); Ariki Hood-Kaitapu; Jack Fuller (2)
Conversion: Cooper Green (3); Cameron Hey (2); Casey Smith (2)
Westlake Boys 4th XV vs Orewa College

Playing on number one for the first time this season, the 4th XV put on their worst performance of the season. Against a well drilled and better Orewa College side, playing into the wind, the team played as if all life was against them. Kicking poorly into the wind and tackling almost as badly, they were lucky to be only down by 17 to nil at half time.

The second half did not start brightly either when they conceded a try under the bar which took the score to 24 to nil. Finally something awakened the beast within Lochie MacIntosh when he intercepted near his 22 and with the heavy breathing of at least three Orewa defenders Westlake scored under the bar and the try was converted.  The forward began to rumble and roll the ball back down the pitch and with the wind adding distance to the kicks. If not a revival, it brought at least some respect to the score board and when Patrick Corcoran scored wide in the corner Orewa were winners by 24 to 12. Players to mention were Jack Skinner, Lochie Macintosh and Jack Hall all of whom came off the field having given their all.

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