Blues qualifying game
After the excitement of winning the Auckland 1A title on Saturday the team had a very short turnaround before they played Whangarei Boys' High School in the first qualification game to see who will represent the Blues Region at the Top 4 New Zealand Championship.
MAGS began with intensity but lacked a bit of accuracy for the
first few minutes as Whangarei defended reasonably well. From a
set play just outside the MAGS 22m line the ball went to Damon
Niko on the blindside and with some fantastic inter-passing
between players Shaun Devine scored the first try that was
converted by Matt McGahan. This showed the MAGS team that they
were able to put the pedal down and in the next 6 minutes they
scored another two tries to Matt McGahan and Albert Nikoro with
each player converting their own try.
Whangarei Boy's then had their best period on attack and MAGS
were caught offside at a ruck. The penalty attempt was
successful for the score to be 21-3 in favour of MAGS.
Powerful running and crisp passing for the rest of the first
half saw three further tries scored by Damon Niko, Sean
Brookman, and Milford Keresoma, two converted by Matt McGahan
and one by Albert Nikoro to make the half time score 42-3 in
favour of MAGS.
Louis Devery scored the first try in the second half from some
very good phase play. This try was converted by Matt McGahan.
Then the threatening rain clouds let loose with a torrential
down-pour that went for 10 minutes. During this period both
teams tried to play as best they could in the conditions before
the weather cleared to once again let flowing rugby
continue.
MAGS scored further tries to Matt McGahan, Albert Nikoro, Sean
Brookman and Tama Keresoma with Albert converting one and
Jarrod McAlister-Poi converting two to make the final score
75-3 in favour of MAGS.
This was a comprehensive team performance which saw 11 tries
scored, 10 of which were converted.
Whangarei Boys' did have some of the ball but were not used to
the pace that the game was played at. Their captain, Jake
Heenan, and Ben Berridge had good games for them.
Now the MAGS 1st XV are to play Westlake Boys' High School next Tuesday. If that game is won then they are off to the Top 4.
Players of the Day: Michael Faleafa & Matt McGahan
Match report written by Kerry Baker
Photos supplied by Kate Meads
Thanks to our 2010 Sponors: Samurai, Waiwera, Ritchies Bus Company Ltd, Anne Duncan Real Estate, Barfoot and Thompson Mt Albert, J.R. Telecommunications, York St Boxing, Micky B Fitness, Active Physio, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd (JACAL ), Jett Consulting Ltd.
