Men’s Open game 1
The final game for the day proved to be an exciting match for all the New Zealand supporters in the stands with New Zealand winning the first game of the series 6-3.
The game started off extremely quick with end to end action with NZ having a few close chances but could not capitalize. Australia matched New Zealands speed and got through the line after a play on call in the 12th minute, with Drumayne Dayberg-Muir setting up Jamie Stowe on the wing.
New Zealand hit back only 3 minutes later with their first touchdown of the match to Ruamai Erueti, scoring on the wing after longball on the last touch.
New Zealand added two more touchdowns in quick succession before the half time break to lead 3-1. Both touchdowns were scored on the wing. Touchdown scorers were Paul Davis and Ruamai Erueti. Erueti’s 2nd came from an impressive longball from Cain Rangi with only seconds to go.
Australia started off the second half the way New Zealand did in the first, but New Zealand came up with the first touchdown through Maurice Stone in the 2nd minute.
Australia kept their head in the game with the next two touchdowns through a dive over from Dylan Hennessy in the 6th minute and a touchdown on the wing to Matt Prowse in the 13th minute.
The rain came down quickly resulting in a slippery ground and a number of handling errors from both teams. Australia had a close call after a defender slipped over with New Zealand hot on the attack, but recovered well to save the almost certain touchdown.
New Zealand finished the game off hard with two late touchdowns to seal the victory through #1 Michael Cavanah on the wing and Whitiaua Black with a switch back on the half to head to an open line.
Both teams had a number of close calls in the 2nd half, but were unlucky not to capitalize. New Zealand finished the game off hard denying Australia any opportunity to close the gap.
New Zealand 6 defeated Australia 3.
Last Modified on 22/01/2010 19:10