Swords Coaching visit Warriors HQ

May 17, 2012| 0 Comment| 9:31 am

Categories:

News

On May 9th the swords coaching teams travelled to Warriors HQ as part of the preparation of for the 2012 season.

The objective of the day was twofold, it was a team building as well as an opportunity for personal development and upskilling.

The Warriors staff and players were incredibly welcoming and open – even sharing trade secrets!

Firstly the Swords staff were welcomed by Dean Bell, Warriors Recruitment Manager. Then BlueyMcClennan presented video analysis of the recent Warriors victory over the Broncos.

One thing that he kept re-emphasizing were the basics, such as the ball carry and the play the ball. Get the small things right – if you can’t control the ball you won’t get to your kick! Teams would be surprised BUT over half the territory good teams make in a game is through their kick chase.

After Bluey, Warriors NRL Manager Dan Floyd gave a run down of managing teams and preparation. The old coaching adage of “Failing to plan is planning to fail!” runs true. With an emphasis on attention to detail and understanding effective communication channels.

The Swords staff then got to sit in on a first team video session, as they planned to take on the Roosters. Then they had the opportunity to watch a first team training session.

Following the session Tony Iro presented on how to control the ruck and the importance of marker defence and the speed of the play the ball.

Craig Walker the Warriors Head Trainer then gave a break down of his theories of the Art of training players. He explained that it is useful to understand the physiology of training methods but at the end of the day it was more about reading and understanding players. As we all know everyone is different and we all react differently. The art is how can you cater to individual needs while working in a team environment?

A big thank you must go out to Dean Bell and the team at the Warriors – thank you for helping us on our Rugby League journey.

Swords coaching staff 2012:

PREMIERS

Joe Rau – Coach
Jon Renes – Trainer
Edward Irving – Manager

17s

Benson Selwyn – Coach
Michael Shearer – Manager/Trainer
Willie Dixon – Trainer

15s

Jim Larkin – Coach
Chief Yates – Manager
Raymond Jones – Trainer

Tigers Suffer First Defeat in 2013Tigers Suffer First Defeat in 2013

Takahiwai Warriors have dealt the Moerewa Tigers their first defeat of 2013, beating them 26 – 16 at Simpson Park in Moerewa. The Warriors who are currently in third position, have progressively looked stronger and stronger throughout 2013 and have signalled their intent on the top three of the RLN Premiership.

Hokianga Pioneers defeated City Knights 36 – 28 to remain in fifth position. The defeat was a blow to the Knights who had their sights set on the top six after back to back victories. Muriwhenua Kuaka confirmed their position at 6th place with a resounding 72 – 24 victory over the Horahora Broncos. Hikurangi retain second place with their victory by default over the Otaua Valley. The Valley’s, who have been progressively improving, defaulted due to the long weekend and players being unavailable due to a number of unveilings. The Northern Wairoa Bulls retain the fourth position after having the bye.

In other results the Portland Panthers leapfrog the City Knights into 7^th position with a 56 – 10 victory over the Kerikeri Slayers, Madison Kaka had a man of the match performance with a hat trick of tries from Dummy Half. The Panthers must be quietly confident moving into the second half of the RLN Premiership with a good balance of youth and experience.

Next week’s matches of interest will see the Panther’s hosting the Kuaka, with a top 6 place up for grabs potentially for the Panthers. The Bulls will be looking to take on a wounded Tigers when they host Moerewa.

RLN Scott Electrical Premiership – Golden Point ThrillerRLN Scott Electrical Premiership – Golden Point Thriller

[Hokianga Pioneers v Hikurangi Stags photographs courtesy of Robert O’Hara, Saranis Photography]

The RLN Scott Electrical Premiership Grand Final was played in spectacular fashion with the match winning try scored in double extra time. The large crowd, were in awe, as the game produced touches of class usually reserved at professional level. Whangarei was buzzing all week with everybody predicating a close affair between the Hikurangi Stags and the Takahiwai Warriors. The conditions were perfect at Toll Stadium as the light drizzle disappeared.

The game was a bruising encounter as both packs tested each other out. As the nerves settled, the Stags drew first blood with a nice try to Tyson Wihongi. The Warriors not to be outclassed, responded with two unanswered converted tries. Takahiwai were building good momentum until captain courageous Joe Rau crossed the line to take the halftime score to 12-10 to Takahiwai.

The second half was a game of chess with both team teams making valuable meters off the back of some solid forward play. Veteran Takahiwai forward, Nick Schuster and Hikurangi’s Steven Rau were locking horns and enforcing their presence defensively.

Penrith Panther’s new signing Caleb Aekins, showed his class in the number 6 with some silky skills and individual brilliance to cross the line. Hori Tuhoro was peppered with bombs all day and had some excellent kick returns that had the crowd on their feet.

It looked like the Warriors were going to have a stag do when Warrior’s player Joel Freeman put his side in front 16-14. With minutes remaining Hikurangi had a brain melt and gave away a penalty in front of the sticks.

Captain Joe Rau milked the time limit ensuring his successful kick would lead to extra time. Both teams were tested with fitness and defence as they charged up the paddock looking to set up for the drop goal.

Hikurangi got two, close, unsuccessful attempts, which had the crowd holding their breath. Takahiwai managed one fumbled attempt. After 2 stanzas with a minute remaining, Stag forward Eric Abraham crossed the line to win the game to a deafening roar from their supporters. Final score – Hikurangi Stags 20 v Takahiwai Warriors 16.

Click here to view full set of photographs from the game

Best Player Takahiwai Warriors – Hori Tuhoro – presented by Napo Henare, Refining NZ
Best Player Hikurangi Stags – Caleb Aekins – presented by Napo Henare, Refining NZ
Man of the Match – Eric Abraham
Winning Medal – Her Honour the Mayor, Sheryl Mai
Winning Trophy Presentation – John Cornwall, Joel Taylor – Scott Electrical

RLN Championship Grand Final

In the curtain raiser the championship Cup was won by the Otaua Valleys over the Pawarenga Broncos 28-12. It was an exciting game with the youthful brilliance of Otaua proving to be the catalyst. Final score Otaua Valleys 28 v Pawarenga Broncos 12. Otaua have now won promotion into the 2016 RLN Scott Electrical Premiership. Tamati Leach was named Man of the Match.

Click here to view a full set of photographs from the game.

It All Comes Down to the Final WeekIt All Comes Down to the Final Week

It All Comes Down to the Final Week!

It’s been a compelling RLN Premiership. With one round to play, only three points separate 1st place and 5th place.

The Moerewa Tiger’s 34 – 14 victory over the Muriwhenua Kuaka will confirm the Tigers as Minor Premiers as the Tigers have the BYE in the final round. If the Kuaka were able to upset the Tigers it would have meant they had a mathematical chance of still making the top 6, they gave everything in a tough and physical encounter – however the Tigers showed too much class in the end.

Takahiwai stay in second place after a hard fought win over the Horahora Broncos 42 – 16. The Broncos who have been very competitive in the last few weeks pushed the Warriors all the way – after going into half time with the scores even. But it was the Warrior’s experience and structured game plan that saw them win.

Takahiwai will need to be on form to beat Hikurangi in what will be the match of the round with the winner taking 2^nd place. The Hikurangi Stags look to have rediscovered their form with the return of player/coach Joe Rau with a 40 – 26 win over the Portland Panthers. The game befitted a semi-final atmosphere, Portland needed to win to stay in the top 6. Portland now needs results to go their way to play finals football.

The City Knights jumped over the Panthers to take 6^th place with a 38 – 26 win over the Northern Wairoa Bulls. City, for many, are considered to be the dark horses of the RLN Premiership. When they fire, they fire. The Bulls who two weeks ago were on top of the table now sit in 5^th place with back to back losses. The Bulls play the Panthers in the final round, the Panthers need to win and will need Horahora to upset the Knights to take 6^th place.

In the other match of the round Kerikeri were moments away from winning their first game in 2013, but it wasn’t to be with Otaua winning 28 – 26.

RLN Premiership Points Table