Fa’amalosi Tiger’s Rugby U14 played two half games on Saturday at a very picturesque and well presented Cashmere High School Top Field, under a stunning blue morning sky. Half game 1 was versus Ashley from North Canterbury, and Game 2 was against our local rivals, Cashmere.

Game 1 vs Ashley

• Try Scorers: Levi Tepania, Stanekzai Baura, Isley Fakalata, Godwin Delliha-N'Zonou
• Conversions: Micah Chivers (1)

Score: HHS 22-0 Ashley

In game 1 Ashley didn’t know what hit them.  From the start the Fa’amalosi Tiger’s were ferocious in their work and within 1 minute Levi had torn open a hole in the Ashley defensive line and poured through to score an excellent try.  From then on, the forwards started providing excellent go forward and both the backs and forwards had a field day. Ashley had already played Cashmere so perhaps they were tired but the Tiger’s played an excellent brand of footy and were thoroughly rewarded for their industriousness.

Game 2 vs Cashmere
Score: CHS 14-0 HHS

In game 2 it was the Tiger’s turn to struggle with the intensity bought by the opposition. Before the Tiger’s had even touched the ball properly, the Cashmere team had scored two absolutely brilliant individual tries through their Open Side, Sven and First Five-Eighth, Jack. Eventually the Tiger’s got their hands on the ball, but Cashmere’s defence was stout. The Tiger’s certainly put all they could into trying to breach the defence, with twice being held up over the line. Cashmere are an excellent team to play. They play a similar style to the Tiger’s, with plenty of ball movement and hard running but are a little bit better at executing under pressure.

Nga mihi nui.

Turangawaewae – belonging/a place to stand

Whanaungatanga – interconnectedness/positive relationships

Mana – respect/strength of character

Ako – learning/with and from each other

Team: Mikaele, Isley, Carter, Zane, Ethan, Caleb, James, Kaleb, Max, Micah, Duke, Stan, Levi, Godwin, Taine. Subs: Lorenzo, Kuonga

Forward of the Day: Kaleb Baker

Back of the Day: Max Robson

Tackler of the Day: Levi Tepania

Micah Chivers manipulating the defence

Kaleb Baker on one of his many barnstorming runs

The forwards providing an armchair ride for Half-Back Max Robson

Ethan Visser flying high in the line-out

Mikaele bursting through the defensive line