Rugby Results 11 June 2016

Westlake Boys 1st XV vs Takapuna Grammar School
Last Saturday’s match against Takapuna Grammar School was approached with the standard team build-up. After the good win against Massey the week before, Westlake were guarded not to be complacent coming up against a Takapuna Grammar side that might have been struggling this season but had their confidence boosted by a win over Orewa the previous week.

Westlake put early pressure on their opponents did not score until the 10th minute when Tupou Afungia crossed the line. Tupou, who fractured his finger in the pre-season game against De la Salle, made his presence felt in his first competition game and his strength and hunger were clearly evident. From the kick off the move around the short side allowed Fine Inisi to again show off his skill and pace to run 50 meters to score a try.  It took another 13 minutes before Spencer McDowall was put into space and also ran a good 50 meters to score. Cameron Hey scored the next try after sustained pressure and Casey Smith followed up with a another try under the posts from the kick off after some slick handling, taking the score to 31-0 at half time.

Captain Jack Heighton opened the scoring in the second half and tries came at regular intervals from Ariki Hood-Kaitapu, Jack Fuller, Casey Forsyth and Harry Forbes. Jack Fuller scored his try from a set piece that came straight from the training field, whilst Ariki, Casey and Harry used their strength to break the tired Takapuna defence to score.

The team have now successfully defended the Woodhouse Shield five times and have earned the right to have their name engraved on the shield. Leon Thambiran was also recognised at the after match function, having represented Westlake’s 1st XV more than 50 times since his debut in 2014. Well done to the team and congratulations to Leon on this remarkable achievement.

Scoreboard: Westlake 64 Takapuna Grammar 5 (Half time 31 – 0)
Tries: Tupou Afungia; Fine Inisi; Spencer Mc Dowall; Cameron Hey; Casey Smith; Jack Heighton; Arikitohia Hood-Kaitapu; Jack Fuller; Casey Forsyth; Harry Forbes
Conversions: Cooper Green (4); Cameron Hey (1); Casey Smith (2)

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(47 Photos)

Westlake Boys 4th XV vs Rangitoto College 3rd XV
As has been their ilk so far this season, the 4th XV began their match against Rangitoto College sluggishly. With five regulars away due to illness, holiday or other reasons, the omens were not looking great as Rangitoto applied pressure repeatedly on the Westlake goal line. The boys stood staunch in defence and with half time closing they surged uphill into the Rangi 22 and were awarded a penalty slotted by Jack Skinner to give the 4ths a 3 to nil half time lead.

The half time team talk reminded our players to drive defenders off our ball, not drag them and give more protection to the half as well as support one another. Playing down the hill, Westlake scored five unanswered tries, with Tom Hemmington splashing down between the uprights showing the benefit of backing up and pace. Tom Ross scored a well-deserved try for a player who grafted hard all day and Sam Cato snuck in for a cheeky try. The fine try to captain TJ Milne reflected the much improved team work and performance with forwards and back working together and playing each another’s role. A special mention to Alex West Hill who played a half with a body still struggling with illness and Ethan Schaumkel who played out of position on the flank and gave all for the team. The final score of 38 to nil was more pleasing for the points not conceded.

Highlights of the rugby weekend included: 5A who have not been scored against yet; a very strong group both players and management. Westlake’s 2^nd XV came back from 0-21 down at halftime to draw the match against Mahurangi College 1^st XV 24 all; 1^st XV, 6A and 7 Red remain unbeaten.

View images of the unbeaten Westlake Boys 7 Red team vs Takapuna Grammar School here:

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(31 Photos)

View images of the Westlake Boys 7 Green vs Orewa College here:
 

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(28 Photos)

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