At a cold wet and soggy Petone Rec in Wellington, the Orcas Bernard Gregorius’ hat-trick of tries has guided Wellington Orcas to a 38 – 14 win over the Northern Swords in the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership on Saturday.
Wellington jumped out to a perfect start, with two tries in the first 15 minutes and two more before the break for a 22-4 advantage. However the Swords showed that they could mix with the Orcas, scoring three tries in the second half to Joel Freeman, Sam Henry and Jordan Hool. Coach, Mark Freeman, was buoyed by the performance, “The conditions were terrible and after the bus trip and flight it took us 40 minutes to realise we were playing National League. We came into the first game knowing that we were slightly under prepared, but we know what we have to work on moving forward.”
With 8 debutants in the squad, Freeman was positive by some of their individual performances, heralding Outside Backs, Ross McFarlane and Tumoana Halkyard, as having standout performances. Skipper Joel Freeman was also a stand out, while young Daniel Fulop at Stand Off didn’t look out of place after making the step up from the 2013 Swords 17s.
“We hope to have Takahiwai’s powerhouse loose forward Adam Donaldson and inspirational fullback Hori Tuhoro, as well as Knights player of the RLN Grand Final, Jordan Katene, available this week which will increase competition for places, which is healthy leading into this week’s game at Toll Stadium v Counties Manukau.” Freeman said.
Next Sunday August 31st at Toll Stadium
- Northern Swords Premiers v Counties Manukau Stingrays 2.30pm
- 13s Grand Final Otangarei Knights v Portland Panthers 1.15pm
- 13s Plate Final – Manaia View v Horahora Broncos 12:00pm
Congratulations to the Otaua Valleys, the inaugural RLN Championship winners and in doing so, gaining promotion to the 2016 RLN Scott Electrical Premiership. It was a hugely entertaining game that had everything, scintillating tries, big hits, two send offs, in a battle of two closely connected communities. Pawarenga, for your first year back in Rugby League, you should be very proud of your efforts.
