During the school holidays Westlake hosted teams from Kerikeri and Kelston in a Rugby 7s mini-tournament. It was a great opportunity for the coaches to test combinations ahead of the North Harbour Championship.
While both the Seniors and under 15s were missing some regular players, the Senior As performed well with their ring-ins and the side posted victories over the visitors. Wingers Arikitohia Hood and Spencer McDowall showed their speed and bolted past some of the bigger lads from Kelston to score impressive tries. Victor Misa and Jackson Tu’inukuafe also scored under the posts. Meanwhile Cam Hey performed an outstanding job on defence shutting down several attacking attempts by Eric Rush’s lads from Kerikeri. Coaches Aaron Katipa and Hamish McKerrow will however be looking for all the players to step-up and return to their form they displayed earlier in the season in Palmerston North.
Several of those who were absent did have commendable reasons – Lotu and Fine Inisi, and Zae Wallace were training with the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League side ahead of their tournament in Rotorua. Of note Zae Wallace was named MVP for the New Zealand side in their opening 22-18 victory against NSW from Australia! The Westlake Seniors are looking forward to Jack Heighton returning after his training camp with the Blues U18 side. To his credit, Jack was appointed Captain of the North Harbour U18’s. Finlay Brewis was another player unable to play due injury –Finlay was similarly appointed Captain of the North Harbour U16 side. He led the team strongly and along with 11 players from Westlake had a very successful campaign. For the first time that anyone can remember, the side advanced all the way to the Final and can feel very proud of their achievement. Meanwhile the U15s are looking forward to Jack Robertson’s return. Jack too had a commendable campaign playing in the North Harbour U16s.
This weekend (Saturday 15th October) both the Seniors and the U15 teams will be looking to defend their titles at the North Harbour Championship.