The Westlake 1st XV had one of their biggest challenges of the season when they squared off against Massey High School on Friday, June 2nd. Massey started strongly and scored first. Nikau Graham answered with a try for Westlake. However, an emboldened Massey looked threatening racing to a 14-5 lead. A great line out win to towering No.4 Tiennan Costley set Johnny Cooper up for a very timely try, narrowing the margin as half-time approached.
Coach Aaron Katipa encouraged the players to believe in themselves and the opportunities would come. True to form, Lotu Inisi crashed over for a try, quickly followed by Sean Vete. Massey was forced to counter the threat from Westlake’s forwards by committing more players to the rucks and this created space out wide. Firstly Spencer McDowall found a gap and scored. Then it was a great combination of Nikau Graham and Johnny Cooper that broke the line, taking the score out to the final result of 36-14.
Next week Westlake take on Rosmini College in a highly-anticipated top of the table match. The team would love to see lots of supporters in their Westlake colours as they defend the Woodhouse Shield.
The Westlake 2nd XV also faced off against Massey but with home advantage. Westlake were able to surpass Massey with their passing and running game. A clever back move saw Ollie Charlesworth split the defence and break-through for an impressive try. Dylan Chesney kept up his record of scoring twice. Not to be outshone, forwards Jordan Quinn and Caleb McDonald accounted for four tries between them, including a 60m dash from Caleb. Ollie Watts also had a standout game at No6. The final score was 59-0, a very pleasing result for Coach, Mr Henley who stepped up to take the reins on Saturday.
The 5As had a much more formidable challenge, facing the Sacred Heart Under15s. Stuart van Gelder and Bryn Moloney scrummed very well with Chlayton Frans making himself known all over the park. Once again Brook Robson controlled the game well at half back. Coach Mr Mildenhall was very impressed by Peti Tavui and Caleb Falloon. While Westlake produced a valiant effort, it was Sacred Heart who won the tussle, by the narrowest of margins, 22-21.