Despite making mistakes and conceding penalties late in the tackle count, MAGS’ Rugby League First XIII put up an organised and committed defensive effort to win 16-12 against a well-structured and physical Westlake Boys attack.
MAGS opened the scoring early after a Westlake mistake led to a scrum. They attacked from the set piece and Al Jermaine scored just left of the posts, to make the conversion easy.
After soaking up some Westlake pressure, MAGS broke out with a long looping pass from Antonio Wulf that connected with Bonowai Baledrokadroka on the right wing. He drew the last defender and found Noah Foster supporting on his inside. Emmanuel Kelly made it 12-0 when his kick hit a post and went over.
When MAGS knocked on and conceded a scrum close to their line, the Westlake fullback scored and the conversion was knocked over. MAGS were up 12- 6 at half time but Westlake had the momentum and their fullback scored again, with the conversion levelling the game.
The next ten minutes MAGS attacked with good shape on both edges with Antonio and Javvier Pitovao working some space on the right for Noah to get his second.
Noah was player of the game but there were good performances across the field. MAGS can probably claim to have the lightest forward pack in the competition but their makeshift props and fledgling second rowers were excellent.
Tomorrow MAGS face Rotorua Boys High School in the 5th to 8th section.