vs Henderson High School - Wednesday 13 June
MAGS hosted Henderson High School in the last game of the college season. The MAGS boys had a lot to prove, as the previous week they suffered a first-ever loss to Avondale College. This loss meant that winning against Henderson would only result in a frustrating third-place finish. The top two in the schools' competition play-off to see who plays the winner of the Counties Manukau Competition and ultimately wins the wider Auckland title.
To their credit MAGS started the game strongly and finished strongly as well, feeding the ball wider a lot more, eventually running out winners 50-0. As usual Zac Tui and Mills Tonga made massive metres, but more even credit must go to the whole team, who played as a team. The MAGS boys felt frustrated at performing below expectations at times this season, but should certainly feel satisfied at this win.
vs Avondale College - Wednesday 6 June
The MAGS 1st XIII suffered their worst defeat of the season against Avondale on Wednesday and unfortunately must rely on results from other teams' games in their grade going their way, if they are to progress further in the schools' competition. A lack of focus and execution cost MAGS, as the opposition took opportunities offered to score several tries. Getting the ball wide seemed very difficult at times and choices on attack really made it difficult for the MAGS boys to score.
MAGS scored first in the game and led 6-0 late into the first half. However, Avondale made very good use of their wingers and scored twice. MAGS scored early in the second half and hopes were high that a come-from-behind win would be celebrated by the boys. However, Avondale scored two late tries and sealed the game. Final result Avondale won 20-10
vs St Paul's College - Wednesday 30 May
The 1st XIII suffered their first loss of the season against the highly rated St Paul's College. St Paul's hosted MAGS for this all-important top-of-the-table clash and they made us struggle at times, particularly in the ruck area, eventually winning 28-22. MAGS had some good periods of play in the first half and were only down 6-10 at half time, with an enticing second half beckoning.
Unfortunately, three quick tries by St Paul's quickly inflated scoreline to their favour. A last-minute try to MAGS made the final score quite close. MAGS certainly looked good when they spread the ball wide.
There was agreement at halftime that we could have the measure of St Paul's. However, at the end of the game there was also agreement by the players that this was an opportunity that got away. Bring on Avondale College next Wednesday.
vs Mount Roskill Grammar School - Wednesday 23 May
The MAGS 1st XIII enjoyed a good come-from-behind win over rivals Mt Roskill on Wednesday. MAGS was often making life difficult for itself with some very unstructured play. The boys were down 10-4 at half time after holding a brief 4-0 lead after 10 minutes.
A pretty honest assessment from coaches Jo Lundon and Pete Ah Khoi at half time resulted in MAGS turning the game around slowly. Three tries were scored, as MAGS built more pressure and controlled the ball, using their big forwards to gain big metres up the middle of the field. Mills Tonga made some barnstorming runs and was voted player of the day, while Penoa Liupau scored two bullocking tries. Final score 20-10.
vs Rutherford College - Wednesday 16 May
The MAGS 1st XIII enjoyed a good win in wet, windy and cold conditions at home to Rutherford College on Wednesday. Despite the score being 40-0 to MAGS the game was not as open and exciting as the score would suggest. A slippery ball prevented the ball going wide to the wingers more often than not. The MAGS boys scored 24 unanswered points in the first half and were resolved to not let Rutherford score in the second half. They succeeded, despite a determined performance from Rutherford College in the second half, preventing the MAGS boys from really dominating in the halves and opening Rutherford up.
There were stand-out performances from Tumanawa Tawhai (until injured) and Paku Briggs (on debut), who made great gains on attack.
vs Massey High School Wednesday 9 May
The 1st XIII had an emphatic win on Wednesday 9 May against Massey High School at MAGS. Another fantastic crowd turned up to support the boys, who did not disappoint. After a fairly conservative first half, the MAGS second half goal was to finish off Massey convincingly. With a final score of 44-4 to MAGS, that goal was achieved.
Stand-out performers were Sam Lulia with telling kicks into the opposition half and Conor Purcell who made massive metres on attack. However, the real team effort came on defence with no tries given to the opposition in the second half. It was a great day for MAGS Rugby League. Photo report
vs Kelston Boys' High School - Wednesday 2 May
The 1st XIII made a positive start to the year with a 26-all draw against Kelston Boys' High School on Wednesday 2 May. It was definitely a game of two halves, with MAGS getting off to the worst possible start and being 18-nil down deep into the first half. Finally MAGS managed to score just before half time.
The second half was all MAGS, as the boys fought their way back to lead with 5 minutes to go. However, one final rally by Kelston broke MAGS defence close to their line and allowed Kelston to score and pull within two points. The conversion made the score 26-all. The team showed great determination to achieve a very good comeback to end up with this draw.
University Shield - 2011
Last year, the Premier XIII were the Auckland Zone champions, winning the Nigel Vagana Shield. They then played the Counties-Manukau champions and winners of the Dean Bell Shield, Otahuhu College, in the final at Mount Smart Stadium on Wednesday 13 July.
The team played very well, but their opposition proved too strong and Otahuhu College won the University Shield by 22-2.