Wellington Rugby League Newsletter-”Pass It On” 2014 Edition 11 Wednesday 16th April 2014 In this issue: Results Round 2, Josh Tumai tournament details, Draws for all grades this week,NZRL strategic plan update, Wellington to host Four Nations final, Women’s & Masters competition start dates, WRL Staff announcement Visit us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellington-Rugby-League/149807975039915 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK SENIOR RESULTS ROUND 2 PREMIERS Porirua Vikings 84 Petone Panthers 4 Te Aroha Eels 64 Upper Hutt Tigers 8 Randwick Kingfishers 48 St George Dragons 20 University Hunters 20 Wainuimata Lions 6 Points Table Round 2: Porirua Vikings 4, Te Aroha Eels 4, Randwick Kingfishers 4, University Hunters 2, St George Dragons 2, Wainuiomata Lions 0, Petone Panthers 0,Upper Hutt Tigers 0. RESERVES St George 34 Randwick 22 University 40 Wainuiomata 18 Porirua 38 Trentham 32 Te Aroha 36 Titahi Bay 24 SENIOR 1st Porirua WBD Wainuiomata 14 Phoenix 56 Kapiti 18 Wainui Jugglers 38 WRL STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT Lara is now working at WRL on a part-time basis. She has started in Real Estate with the Professionals. Lise Baker WRL’s weekend co-ordinator has increased her hours to cover administration at the WRL Head office during the week. Lara-0275282807 [email protected] Lise 021 686641 [email protected] Round 2 Premier game reviews SENIOR DRAW ROUND 3-Saturday 19th April Hunter’s notch first win The University Hunters overcame a strong second half wind to secure a hard fought victory over Wainuiomata leaving the Lions with 2 losses to start the season. George Ngaronga led the way for the Lions with some stinging defence as they repelled the Hunters first half attacks. With the wind behind them the Hunters could not turn field advantage into points in the first half. With the scores tied at nil all at halftime it was going to be tough for the defending champions in the second half. The Roger Burt coached side however are determined to be recognised as long term heavyweights in the WRL premier competition and their composure and belief in each other shone through in the second half. The Hunters opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a try to Junior Tupufia and followed it up 6 minutes later when Sean Gielen-Relph dotted down. Wainui hit back with a try to Wetini Mokomoko which EJ Albright converted to narrow the Hunters lead. The match was sealed when Jay Kaulave crossed with 5 minutes remaining for his first try which was followed by his second right on fulltime. Hunters 20- Wainuiomata 6 Vikings slay Panthers The Porirua Vikings head the table after 2 rounds following a resounding 84-4 victory over the Petone Panthers at Ascot Park. Chozen Rameka and Vaá Kirisome led the way up front for the Vikings with Rameka scoring the first 2 tries for the home team. The young Petone side hit back inside the 15 minute mark with a try to big Tiaii Hune who made a rampaging 30 metre run to the line. At 8-4 and with the wind behind them Petone were settling into the game well but the Vikings experience and superior skills soon kicked into gear as they ran in 6 further tries before the break to lead 42-4. The second half saw the Vikings remain in control and deny the Panthers any chance of a comeback as they scored repeatedly within the set from the kick off. Vena Lamsam ran in 4 tries for the Vikings whilst Sean Playford kicked 6 from 7. Eels remain undefeated Some bulldozing play by the Te Aroha forwards allowed the Eels to comprehensively beat the Upper Hutt Tigers 64-8 at Te Whiti Park on Saturday. After beating the defending champions University the previous Saturday, the Eels showed again they were in no mood to be taken lightly when they scored a try from their first offensive set in the game. As much as the win was one sided, there were at times some moments for the young and inexperienced Tigers side to treasure, but after scoring an early try, Te Aroha ensured its first home game of the season was always going to have a tick in the winning side of the ledger. The Eels led 36-4 at halftime and in the second half it continued to gain overlaps as they continued to draw in the Upper Hutt defence, before spinning the ball wide for the outside backs to seize and take full advantage. Te Aroha hooker Danny Walker had an outstanding game with some snappy ball distributions, while his acting team captain and former Wellington representative Mike Nathan, scored two tries. Upper Hutt second row Iona Keni showed great determination for the Tigers, who were rewarded for their patience and persistence with their second try of the game, seconds after the fulltime hooter had been sounded. Carey Clements Randwick defeat determined St George Ray Lesoa continues to show his class with a superb 4 try effort for the Kingfishers whilst his centre partner David Saumolia racked up another 2 tries in their 48-20 defeat of the Dragons. After trailling 22-10 at halftime the Dragons climbed back into the match to close the score to 22-20 with 20 minutes remaining. Last year’s grand finalists were not to be denied however and took the game away from St George in the last period. SENIOR DRAW ROUND 3-Saturday 19th April Premiers-all games 2.30pm University v St George - Kelburn Park Randwick v Upper Hutt - Naenae Park Te Aroha v Porirua - Te Whiti Park Wainuiomata v Petone - Wise Park Reserves-all games 1pm University v St George - Kelburn Park Randwick v Titahi Bay Marlins - Naenae Park Te Aroha v Porirua - Te Whiti Park Wainuiomata v Trentham - Wise Park Senior 1st-all games 1pm Porirua City Phoenix v University - Cannons Creek Randwick v Kapiti Bears - Naenae Park (field 2) Upper Hutt v Wainuiomata - Whakatiki Street Wainui Jugglers v Porirua Vikings - Wise Park (field 2) Junior draw to follow- it will be posted on WRL website & Facebook WRL Womens competition starts 4th May WRL Masters competition starts 26th April (Date TBC) Wellington to host the Four Nations final Whangarei, Dunedin and Wellington have early opportunities to show they’re ready for 2017 Rugby League World Cup fixtures, when they host games in this year’s Four Nations tournament. New Zealand Rugby League will stage three clashes in the inter- national showpiece, including the final at Westpac Trust Stadium on November 15. The NZ Kiwis face a Pacific Island team - either Fiji or Samoa - at Whangarei’s Toll Stadium on November 1 and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on November 8. They will kick off their campaign against archrivals Australia in Brisbane on October 25, as a curtainraiser to England taking on the Pacific champions. “Bearing in mind we will be co-hosting the World Cup with Aus- tralia in four years, this is a great opportunity for us to show our capability,” says NZRL chief executive Phil Holden. “But it’s also a huge challenge, both on and off the field. “On one front, we may be up against the other three semifinalists from last year’s World Cup, with England, in particular, itching to avenge their semifinal loss to us at Wembley. “And then we’re looking for Wellingtonians to show their passion for rugby league and support what promises to be a memorable final. “Auckland has already shown it’s ready for major World Cup fixtures, after successfully hosting the NRL Nines. Wellington prides itself as a sporting Mecca and we’re confident local fans can also support an international spectacle of this calibre.” Where is NZ Rugby League headed in the next four years? The local league communities now have a chance to see the vision for the game, with NZRL chief executive Phil Holden beginning his national tour to present his “Playbook” strategic plan. Wednesday 7th May Pelorus Trust Sports House 6.30pm All welcome Sports fans – keep Friday, May 9, clear in your diaries! FRI 9 MAY The Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust is hosting a special luncheon to lift awareness of the League 4 Life programme, which supports people involved in rugby league who have met hardship in their lives. There will be a mystery guest speaker and the MC is Knight of the Realm, Sir Peter Leitch. Plus guest speakers from the NRL Jim Doyle Chief operating offi cer, Paul Kind head of commercial, Phil Holden CEO NZRL Plus a special guest from Australia. Confi rmed ex Kiwi players will be in attendance Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Roger Bailey, Graeme West, Hugh McGahan, Dane O’Hara, Gary Clarke, Monty Betham, Gary Prohm, Jerry Seuseu, Duane Mann, Dean Bell, Allan Amer, Jim Fisher, Awen Guttenbiel, Logan Swan, Bruce Castle, Kevin Tamati, Don Hammond, Erin Wigs, Dennis Williams, Des White, Owen Wright, Howie Tamati, Mark Broadhurst, Clayton Friend, Wayne Wallace, Tom Hadfi eld, Tony Kemp and many more. We also have ex Kiwi coaches attending Bob Bailey, Graham Lowe, Brian McClennan. All the money raised by League 4 Life is used to support and meet the needs of people when they most need it. Players who suffer serious, permanent or life-changing injury are supported. The event is at the Guineas Room, Level 3, Ellerslie Events Centre from 12pm and the $100 per head ticket price covers a three-course meal. There will be a cash bar. Buy a table and you’ll get two complimentary tickets to the Vodafone Warriors game the next day at Eden Park when they take on the Raiders.