Warriors Take Care of Raiders

2009-07-18

After a 2 week break due to the July 4th holiday and a bye round the Warriors have bounced back from their first defeat to outclass the Northern Raiders 86-7. The Warriors had a number of players unavailable as they traveled to upstate New York with a point to prove.

The Warriors got out to a slow start with ball control and ill-discipline once again being an issue. A number of line breaks and broken tackles were made but would often finish up with the last pass going to ground. Words from captain Siose Muliumu gave the Warriors composure and take the halftime lead 38-7, with centre Ihaka Waerea and loose forward Ewan Robinson finding gaps in the Raiders defense and making the most of some good go forward from props Mike Lombard and Jonathon Parades.

A fired up and focused Warriors side took the field after the half time break and were devastating in both attack and defense. Second rower Keiki Misipeka and Muliumu dished out some punishing defense often knocking the ball from the Raiders grasp.

The final score New Haven Warriors 86 to Northern Raiders 7.

Coach Roy Leoni was very happy with the sides performance and couldn’t fault the players.

“It’s always tough to play a game after you have two weeks off. The boys came out with a good attitude and enthusiasm, you can’t ask for much more from your players.”

A number of players had stellar performances but noticeably hooker Brian Schacht, who had his best game of the season as he troubled the Raiders around the ruck area and scoring a brilliant individual try.Ihaka Waerea once again gave the opposing side headaches with his footwork and speed scoring 4 tries.

New Haven Warriors 86 – Ihaka Waerea (4), Ewan Robinson (3), Mike Lombard (2), Briah Schacht (2), Anthony Sunia, Chris Mrozek, Siose Muliumu, Keiki Misipeka, Jonathon Genn tries. Conversions – Roy Leoni (8), Brian Schacht, Matt Callan, Jonathon Parades