Warriors Win Big at War at the Shore

2009-08-04

The Warriors proved why they will be genuine title contenders this year after a strong display in a replay of the 2008 Grand Final on Saturday at War at the Shore – the AMNRL annual event held in Sea Isle City, NJ, beating the Aston Bulls 70-26.

With plenty to prove in front of a large and vocal crowd, the Warriors opened up the scoring through a Roy Leoni grubber that was reclaimed by winger Chris Mrozek. Some good go forward from the Warriors forwards allowed opposite winger Jeremy Kosbob to touch down, giving the Warriors a 10-0 lead at quarter time.

It wasn’t long before the Warriors would cross the Bulls line again; Ed Reed scored a great individual try after receiving the ball from Keith Nelson. Reed beat a number of defenders before stepping the covering fullback. The Warrior were not to have it all their own way as the Aston Bulls replied with two tries of their own. Bulls five eighth Conway Maraki proved to be a handful for the Warriors side.

Halftime – New Haven Warriors 16, Aston Bulls – 10.

A much needed halftime break proved to be a blessing for both sides, as the sun was starting to take its toll on players. The third quarter broke the back of the Bulls players as the Warriors piled on 42 unanswered points in the 20 minute period.

Captain Siose Muliumu notched up a hat trick of tries, all three coming from kicks including a brilliant individual chip, chase and regather. The Warriors continued to apply the pressure by completing their sets of 6 which allowed veteran second rower Ewan Robinson to cross the line for yet another double, as well as Keiki Misipeka and Ihaka Waerea both getting singles.

With the third quarter score at 58-16, the match was all but over. A lack of focus and concentration from the Warriors allowed the Bulls to score three quick tries, but this was to be all that the Warriors side would allow, as they answered back with two of their own, Kosbob getting his second from a Leoni grubber to the in goal, and then Anthony Sunia to close out the game.

Final score – New Haven Warriors 70, Aston Bulls – 26

Player coach Roy Leoni was very happy in his side performance, and felt his side was starting to peak at the right time of the season.

“We have grown as a side since the loss to the Axemen, I think that was a great wake up call for us. We have been ruthless since that game, and the boys are really starting to gain confidence in their own abilities.”

The Warriors this weekend take on New York Knights at home to see who finishes the regular season in second place.

New Haven Warriors 70 – Siose Muliumu 3, Ewan Robinson, 2, Jeremy Kosbob 2, Chris Mrozek, Keiki Misipeka, Ed Reed, Anthony Sunia and Ihaka Waerea tries. Roy Leoni 11 conversions.

Aston Bulls 26.

A link to pictures from the game can be found here…