TCTV : Tamaki College : 1st 15 V Kelston

TCTV reporting from the Thursday afternoon match here at Tamaki College.
Write up by Mr. Harris
Camera work - Pene, Aquilla, Emma, Leon.


2.30 KO – brilliantly fine, Big crowd –early finish to school, Our sponsors (NZ Glen Innes Police) out in force – really good feel.

Kelston pack huge – bigger as apack than St Pauls and St Kents.

Tamaki dominated territory and procession for most of the first half. Semisi Ahoafi landed two early penalties from close range for a 6–0 lead. Simon Suaesi scored a try from a set move which was then upgraded to a penalty try. The conversion made it 13-0 to Tamaki. With five minutes to go in the half Kelston convert a penalty, but Tamaki respond with a try to Steven Sioneuesile from broken play and involving numerous inter passing. 20–3 to Tamaki at half time.

The second half saw the Kelston forward pack really muscle up and make yards. Kelston score a converted try from close range after constant pressure and the momentum in the game has changed – 20-10. More Kelston pressure is rewarded with a drop goal and then another well taken try out wide. Only good Tamaki scrambling defence is keeping Tamaki in the game. 20-18 to Tamaki.

At last Tamaki were able to mount an attack 20 minutes into the second half and a try from a charge down kick is denied by an earlier Tamaki knock on. Kelston had a chance to take the lead with three minutes to go, but the penalty went wide. Tamaki finished with a late surge, which finished just short – but time was up and Tamaki scraped home 20-18.

This was a physical, yet skilled game which produced a tight result. The game was well refereed by Pat Drum who was clear and accurate with his decisions. Thanks must go to the 1st XV sponsors – NZ Police (Glen Innes station), who turned out to support the Teams and made for a great occasion.