Team to play Mangere....

1, James Lia

2, Eric Latu

3, Zac Faumuina

4, John Fifita

5, Kava Latu

6, Inoke Latu

7, Greg Foe

8, Darcy Faumui

9, Harry Pualau

10, Henry Pouniu

11, Sami Tu'itupou

12, Langi Tuifua (captain)

13, Sam Tulemoe

14, Lutui Mauala

15, John Vili

16, Masi Tuifua

17, TJ Hopoi

18, Uelese Vavae

19, August Aiga

20, Nano Kalauta

21, Lima Latu

22, Takeshi Faamasino

Papatoetoe 35 Avondale 11

An improvement in the weather meant that the Papatoetoe backs were always going to have more chance to run with the ball, however it was pleasing to see the team stick to the game plan which is beginning to develop. The defence was again proving difficult to break and it was only a lapse in concentration which allowed Avondale their try. The forwards are starting to get into their work and their were standout performances from Kava Latu and Zac Faumuina who caused damage every time he had the ball in hand. Henry Pouniu controlled the game from 1st Five and showed that increased confidence is going to make him a dangerous opponent in the coming weeks.

Scorers were:

Tries:

Zac Faumuina

Danny Olive

John Vili

Sam Tulemoe x 2

Penalty:

Sam Tulemoe

Drop Goal:

Henry Pouniu

Conversion

Sam Tulemoe

Langi Tuifua

Bang......

Team to play Avondale....

1, James Lia

2, Eric Latu

3, Zac Faumuina

4, John Fifita

5, Kava Latu

6, Inoke Latu

7, Greg Foe

8, Darcy Faumui

9, Harry Pualau

10, Henry Pouniu

11, Sami Tu'itupou

12, Langi Tuifua (Captain)

13, Sam Tulemoe

14 Lutui Mauala

15 John Vili

16, Masi Tuifua

17, August Aiga

18, Nano Kalauta

19 TJ Hopoi

20 Ben Ringiao

21 Danny Olive

22 Lima Latu

Papatoetoe 27 Howick 6

What a difference a week makes......following last weeks close victory against Liston, Papatoetoe produced a performance that showed they are growing as a team. They stuck to their game plan throughout the game and unleashed what is proving to be a lethal backline only when the opportunities were there. 7 tries scored in two games is a great start to the season. More pleasing is the fact that no tries have been scored against us and our defence has never been in serious danger. Tougher challenges lie ahead though and continued improvement and continuous pride in our defensive record is a must. Well done boys this was a huge step in the right direction we just need to keep our intensity for the whole 80 minutes now.

The Hallowed Turf of Papatoetoe #1

Papatoetoe 17 Liston 15

Tricky weather conditions meant that it was never going to be a day for running rugby, but the conditions should have played into Papatoetoe's hands given the size of their forward pack. Sadly the Papatoetoe team took too long to follow their game plan and let their forwards drive close to the ruck which made this a much closer game than it should have been.

Three tries were scored by Greg Foe, Danny Olive and Lutui Mauala which was pleasing as was the defence which restricted Liston to only 5 penalty kicks and they never looked like making a clean break through the Papatoetoe line.

There were many positives from the game but if Papatoetoe are to mount a serious challenge on the 1B competition they must start following their game plan from the start of each game as there are much tougher challenges ahead.