Fa’amalosi Tiger’s Rugby U14 played St Bede’s B at a very picturesque and regal looking St Bede’s paddock No. 2 under overcast skies.

To start the game, St Bede’s got off to a blinder with a try scored after only 1 minute. Oh boy. Was it another case of the Fa’amalosi Tiger’s having a slow start?  Not today!  The Tiger’s got the ball and started into their work with ferocity.  The forwards set the scene with near perfect cleanouts, anchors with eye’s forward and guards looking for incoming pressure.  The Tiger’s breakdown work was magnificent.  The product was lightning quick ball for the backs who did not disappoint. 

James Quinn and Duke Tautai Fuiava were a menace at the breakdown and between them were responsible for most of the turnovers.  Mikaele Teki was particularly difficult to stop with many rampaging runs providing the necessary go forward.  His fellow forwards were outstanding in doing all they could to make the ruck and secure the ball.  Levi Tepania was dynamic in the backline with the St Bede’s defence struggling to contain him.  He was ably supported by his mid-field partner, Stanekzai Baura, who provided great ball to the outside backs and was a dynamo on defence.  Godwin Dellliha-N’Zonou reaped the rewards of all his team mates hard work by being put into space where his express pace out stripped the defence.  

But it wasn’t all one way traffic.  In the second half St Bede’s were much better for the half time break. They made the Tiger’s work hard for the win and at times had the Tiger’s on the ropes.  But with their usual tenacity and determination, the Tiger’s came together and made the desperate tackle time and time again which resulted in St Bede’s breaching the defence only once in the second half.  

Special mention to Chucky Tahere at half back and Junior Fuiava on the wing who stepped up from U13’s to play for the Fa’amalosi Tiger’s.  Thanks lads.  Also, to our many supporters who made the journey north, we really appreciate you.  Thanks to Mrs Street and Miss Browne who were also seen on the sideline. 

Game Stats: 

Team: Mikaele, James, Carter, Zane, Ethan, Caleb, Duke, Kaleb, Chucky, Micah, Junior, Stanekzai, Levi, Godwin, Taine. 

Subs: Isley, Mekai, Kuonga 

Forward of the Day: Duke Tautai Fuiava

Back of the Day: Stanekzai Baura 

Tackler of the Day: Ethan Visser 

Try Scorers: Godwin Dellliha-N’Zonou (2), Kaleb Baker, Levi Tepania, Mekai Halbert-Pere, Zane Barr 

Conversions: Micah Chivers (1) 

Final Score: SB 17-32 HHS 

Turangawaewae – belonging/a place to stand 

Whanaungatanga – interconnectedness/positive relationships 

Mana – respect/strength of character 

Ako – learning/with and from each other