Wesley RFC Make the Semis
On an insipid spring morning, the Wesley RFC made its debut in the Counties-Manukau Club Sevens. This was our day of reckoning.
The team started particularly well - a thumping 38-5 win over Bombay with winger David Raikuna demonstrating Sitiveni-like elusiveness. A 31-12 win over a physical Pukekohe side saw Wesley top their pool and progress to the semi-finals of the main competition. Surely we couldn't take out this tournament at our first attempt. Or could we?
Unfortunately, injuries had taken their toll with the impressive Raikuna sidelined and wonder winger Frank Halai hobbled. Worse, we had the misfortune to come up against an imposing and well-drilled Karaka, the tournament's eventual winners. Marshalled by a rampant Waka Setitaia, himself a Wesleyan, Karaka monopolised possession, and despite brave defending by Wesley, won easily 36-7.
While the scoreline flattered the victors slightly, we were left in no doubt what we need to do if we are to compete - and win - at this level. We have the skills, we have the speed, but we need to add bulk, oranisation and strategic nous to the mix. That said, making the semis at our first attempt was a fair effort.
In an early coup for the club, Raikuna, Halai and Seremaia Tagicakibau were named in the Counties-Manukau senior sevens training squad.
The team started particularly well - a thumping 38-5 win over Bombay with winger David Raikuna demonstrating Sitiveni-like elusiveness. A 31-12 win over a physical Pukekohe side saw Wesley top their pool and progress to the semi-finals of the main competition. Surely we couldn't take out this tournament at our first attempt. Or could we?
Unfortunately, injuries had taken their toll with the impressive Raikuna sidelined and wonder winger Frank Halai hobbled. Worse, we had the misfortune to come up against an imposing and well-drilled Karaka, the tournament's eventual winners. Marshalled by a rampant Waka Setitaia, himself a Wesleyan, Karaka monopolised possession, and despite brave defending by Wesley, won easily 36-7.
While the scoreline flattered the victors slightly, we were left in no doubt what we need to do if we are to compete - and win - at this level. We have the skills, we have the speed, but we need to add bulk, oranisation and strategic nous to the mix. That said, making the semis at our first attempt was a fair effort.
In an early coup for the club, Raikuna, Halai and Seremaia Tagicakibau were named in the Counties-Manukau senior sevens training squad.
posted by Commander at 4:08 pm
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