2009 SEASON - Game Updates
Premier Team
Sat 4th April - Mount Maunganui 6 - Tauranga Sports 48
The scene was set for a classic show down between these arch rivals as the battle of the bridge took place at Wharepai Domain. The pitch was in good shape and weather conditions hot. Tauranga were physical up front and had come to play. This side has been a unit for a few years now with many combinations well established. They put together some good phases and finished their chances. Our lads put together a few good phases at times and looked promising. There is plenty of potential in this side with a good mix of youth and experience. The Mount's points came from the boot of young first five Sam Julisich who slotted a couple of long range penalties. Steven Wallace (aka Mouse) was player of the day with some good darting runs out of half back and a good tussle with Sports stalwart Kyle O'Brien.
The boys will take plenty from the game with Tauranga setting a bit of a bench mark for the season. Next game is at home against Te Puke.
Sat 11th April - Mount Maunganui 3 - Rangataua 18
It was the first home game of the season for the boys and a good crowd had gathered to support the lads. Again, the lads showed promise at times but failed to finish the chances that may have given them the win. Rangataua on the other hand, got through a couple of times and capitalised. Those few chances need to be taken in tight games such as this one. The Mount's points came from a solitary penalty in the first half. As confidence grows within the ranks and the combinations start to click, this team is going to get stronger and stronger. The lads are looking forward to a tough game against Te Puna this weekend at their place.
The game was held at Blake Park in some gusty conditions.
The Mounties had the wind in the first half. The lads looked good when they got the ball wide. There were a few points to be had with the wind advantage but unfortunately the Mounties did not capitalise. Again the boys showed potential and defence was good in parts, particularly in the first half.
A few changes to the Te Puke side bought some fresh legs after half time. The replacement first five Nick McCashin made the most of the wind at his back and turned the Mounties around. In the end, Te Puke used the wind and got the points.
The Mount scored three good tries to Troye Elvin, Lance MacDonald and Steven Wallace. A prenalty to Jurisich was the only conversion in difficult kicking conditions.
Player of the day went to centre Ants Maher who was solid in defence.
Next game is against Greerton at their place.
The conditions were far from ideal at Greerton Park for the lads to post their first win of the season. Greerton kept the Mount honest in the first half. Down on the scoreboard going into the break, the Mount needed to dig deep if they were going to walk away with the spoils.
The Mount started to play for possession and turned the Greerton forward pack around. A few more forward runners making themselves available meant the tide was turning and the boys had some much needed go forward. Persistence paid off and the boys put together some good tries taking the game out.
The lads showed real character in this game. The taste of victory is exactly what the doctor ordered going into the Baywide competition this weekend.
The three tries came from Mata McGrath, Sam Jurisich and Quintin Gould. A penalty and conversion came from the boot of Jurisich.
The first game in the Baywide is against Whakatane in Whakatane.
Sat 9th May - Mount Maunganui 15 - Whakatane Marist 18
There was a strong wind at Rugby Park in Whakatane. Marist had the wind advantage in the first half and made good use of it with 18 unanswered points. Going into the half time break, the lads were confident they had a good chance to win this game with the wind at their backs in the second spell. Certainly the general consensus of the punters on the sideline thought 18 would not be enough in these conditions.
The game came down to the wire, with a try scoring opportunity in the dying moments. The boys came up short and were left pondering some missed opportunities.
The tries came from young Shane Manu and either Chris Elvin or Ryan Spicer. Couldn't quite catch the number but Elvin appeared to be celebrating the most so it was probably Spicer who scored...
Sam Jurisich kicked a penalty and a conversion.
The lads have Te Teko at home this weekend. A must win for the boys. Go the Mounties!!
It was a must win for the lads. The conditions were good and the stage was set.
The boys played some good running rugby and were generally in control throughout. It was good to see James Riddell back in the ranks with some good bustling runs up the middle.
With plenty on the board, and 10 minutes to play, Te Teko picked up the tempo. They ran in 3 trys in quick succession and had a kick at goal for the win. Fortunately, Te Teko's kicker sprayed it and the boys headed off the pitch with their "get out of jail free" card used for this round. The boys will need to play for 80 minutes to ensure we make it through to the top 8.
Strong games from Aporo, MacDonald and Elvin. The Mount's tries came from Sam Jurisich, Cory Aporo and Troye Elvin. Jurisich slotted 4 penalties and 3 conversions through the sticks.
The boys travel to Greerton this weekend for yet another must win.
The boys travelled to Greerton Park for this crucial game. A win to the Mount would be a huge step in securing a top 8 position for the next round.
With plenty of chatter and spark, there was a good feeling going into this one and it didn't take long for the lads to take control of the game. Strong games from James Riddell and Lance MacDonald. The boys put together some good tries and went into the break with a 19 - 5 lead. A bonus point was required and the boys delivered with 5 tries.
The lads have now won 2 games on the trot. This sort of form will need to continue if we are going to beat Tauranga and Te Puke in the last two games of the round.
The tries came from Jurisich, Riddell, Aporo and MacDonald with a couple. Jurisich slotted 3 conversions.
The Mounties have Tauranga Sports at home this weekend. The lads will need to step it up another notch if they are going to beat the early frontrunners.
The Mounties won the battle of the bridge - enough said!!
Mount Maunganui 25 - Te Puke 19 - 6 June 2009
The lads travelled to Murray Salt stadium to make it 4 wins from 4.
The key to this game was to maintain momentum. The combinations are starting to click and some of the boys are starting to step up with higher honours in the wings for some.
With good platform ball from the set piece, the boys had plenty of possession. Some poor option taking meant the score was closer at the fulltime whistle than expected.
Standout players include R Manu, Tukuafu, Tauroa and C Elvin. Martin Bourke was nailing kicks from all corners of the paddock which was the difference on the day as both teams scored 3 tries a piece.
Tries from Tukuafu, Tauroa and R Manu.
Player of the day went to Reg Manu who showed blinding pace to seal the game. He also proved he is faster than his brother over 40...
The first round of the Baywide top 8 begins on Saturday against Whakatane at Blake Park.
It could not have rained harder if it tried in the early parts of the game. The conditions did not, however, dampen the spirits of our boys who took control of the game early and did not let up.
It is crucial to get points on the board in these first few games to ensure we make it to the play-offs. To get a bonus point in these conditions was certainly something a lot of other teams could not manage in the other Baywide games. The lads looked sharp at times and made the most of their chances. The support play was really the difference on the day with the boys running in 4 tries to 1. Young Samuel Jurisich had a good day with the boot and was a stand out player along with big Ted Tauroa, Cory Aporo and Ants Maher. The tries came from Tauroa, Troye Elvin, Zane Butler and Aporo. Jurisich kicked 4 conversions. The next game is at home against Rangataua. C'mon the Mounties!!
Conditions were terrible at Blake Park. Te Puke has been struck with injuries, but that did not stop them from putting up a fight, particularly up front.
A win to Mount would go some way to securing a playoff position with only 3 games left in the round. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. The lads were agonisingly close, but not close enough.
Tries to Lance MacDonald and Maka Tukuafu. Sam Jurisich kicked the two conversions.
Players to stand out were Chris Elvin and Ted Tauroa.
The next game for the boys is against Opotiki at home. Opotiki have caused a few problems for the likes of Tauranga Sports and Rotoiti. A must win for the Mounties, which is not going to be easy.
Mount 18 - Opotiki 17 - 11 July 2009
It was a must win game for the Mounties. Plenty to play for with only 2 games left in the round and Chris Elvin's 100th game. Elvin has been a standout player for the club over the years and it is a huge achievement to join the 100 club. Opotiki have proved difficult for many teams in the Baywide competition. The Mounties needed a strong game from the likes of Elvin, and a strong game they got! Elvin was a standout player turning over the ball at crucial times in the game.
Opotiki enjoyed much of the possession in this game. They through everything at the lads! It was the Mounties strong defence that won them the game, even in the dying moments.
Opotiki had a kick at penalty to snatch victory from the Mount's grasp. But the kick fell short and the Mounties used their second "get out of jail free" card for the season. This finish being similar to the game against Te Teko earlier in the season.
The lad's playoff hopes are still alive with their remaining two games against Tauranga Sports and Whaka away.
Tries came from Martin Bourke and Brad Halidone. Jurisich kicked two penalties and a conversion.
Standout players were Chris Elvin and young halfback Andy Lee.
It's the business end of the season - Get up the Mounties!!
Today's game was a must win for the boys if they were to have any chance of making the playoffs. Conditions were fairly good in Rotovegas, if a little cold! Having said this, the sun was shining and the lads were treated to the latest in school bus technology with air conditioning, plenty of storage and state of the art wooden benches to sit on. We almost felt like royalty as the Tauranga Sports bus overtook us coming up the Tokerau Ranges...
The lads were switched on the moment they got off the bus. Plenty of chatter leading up to the game, and after the first 25 minutes, the score was 7-6 to Whaka. It was arguably the teams best start all season and they were in with a chance. We enjoyed plenty of possession but could not convert to points.
However, following the break, Whaka went up a gear and capitalised on our mistakes. The boys played their hearts out but it wasn't to be. The season was over for 2009.
Points came from a try by young half back Andy Lee who is growing with each game. He kicked his own conversion with Sam Jurisich kicking two penalties. Some good touches from Ryan Boshier and a strong game from Zane Butler. Congratulations to Russell Condor for his blazer game - nice one Lussell!!
It has been a good season for the boys who finished 5th. We have had a lot of young lads come in to the side and who have stepped up by all accounts. We have also had the luxury of some old hands who can still compete at this level and show strong leadership. All promising stuff for next season. The challenge for the club is to ensure we sustain a competitive team in the Baywide competition. Hopefully the re-structuring of the NPC will enable a clear window for Club rugby and the rep players can remain with their Club sides into playoffs and finals. These players have a huge impact on the young guys around them.
The boys have earnt a well earned rest!! Bring on 2010 - Go the Mounties!!
Colts Team
Sat 2nd May - Mount Maunganui - Greerton
It was a shaky start for our colts team due to injuries. Greerton pushed the boys hard for the whole game. Scott Arlidge led from the front giving good direction to the team in the absence of Josh Warmington who along with Mitch (our No.4) were celebrating their 21st birthdays. With many of our senior players unavailable for this game the newbees must be commeced on their performance. A very hard fought game by them all, and to Dylan who had a great game. with us now going into the part of the competition playing the Easter and Central Bay sides starting next week we will have to step up our game a notch. Remember to train hard Tuesday and Thursday and the results should show on Saturday.
Sat 9th May - Mount 81 - Whakatane Marist 7
The boys played well from the start, the forwards putting on a strong showing especially in the scrums. This allowed the backs to run riot. Fitness paid out allowing the colts to run in 13 tries to one. Whakatane played well and stuck to the task at hand and were rewarded with a very good try after a very good start to the second half when Mount was a bit slack.
Halftime score 48-0
Fulltime score 81-7
Tries: Adam Pratt 3, Meli Qio 2, Luke Sefton 2, Regan McFall, Riki Darroch, Matt Cole, Dylan Mills, Jesse Boshier, James Borck.
Conversations: Dylan Mills 4, Meli Qio 2, Riki Darroch, Luke Sefton
MVP Points
3: Matt Cole
2: Josh Warmington
1: Adam Pratt
Senior A Team
Sat 16th May - Mount - Te Puke
Tries by Mike Barrie and Scott Todd with Ben kicking 2 penalties and converting both tries.
Sat 30th May - Mount 8 - Rangataua 11
A home semi final game where most of the first half was spent in mid field and no points on the board until 30 minutes into the game when Ben kicked a penalty for the Mount. With ten minutes to go until half time Rangataua put the pressure on the boys with the game 10m from their try line but to no avail
They went into the second half with some injured players Jimmy injured his knee and Aaron was out with a broken jaw. Rangataua scored a try in the first minute of second half and convert it then later got a penalty. Sean snuck in a great try right on the 40 minutes and the boys tried to grab another when time went into injury time but it just wasnt their day. Next week the boys will be playing for third and fourth positions in the finals of this round. Another home game. Good luck boys.
Sat 6th June - Mount - Matakana
Matakana pulled out as they didnt have enough players which is a shame but our boys came third in the first round.