Open Mens - Game Two
New Zealand win Mens Game Two in a thriller
Michael Cavanagh scored in the corner with seconds left to give victory to the Kiwis in a thrilling Mens Open spectacle.
With Peter McIntyres Men putting ten touchdowns past the opposition in Game One, many observers were anticipating a tight encounter and bright future for the talented side.
Spectators were also excited to witness one of the great spectacles in sport, the Haka. As the New Zealand contingent performed the Haka, hairs stood up on players and spectators alike as the scene was set for an epic Trans Tasman encounter.
With the Australian / New Zealand rivalry taking centre stage, it was former Lebanese international Robert Nakhla on debut for Australia, scoring the opening touchdown in the corner.
Ruamai Erueti hit right back for the Kiwis and with the game going end to end similar to Game One, it was not long before Drummayne Dayberg-Muir scored after a great ball from Steve Roberts.
Captain Nazea Silberry scored for the Kiwis, saying to the Aussies anything they can do, he can do better.
Chris Farrow continued his great form for the series with a touchdown but three quick touchdowns by New Zealand gave them a two touchdown lead. Cain Rangi scored, Tame Greensill did likewise after a wonderful long ball with the Kiwi cut-outs hitting the mark with Michael Cavangh also been found on the overlap.
The Australians squared the ledger with Jason Stanton scoring and a rocket from long ball specialist, Joel Willoughby finding Matt Prowse.
In a super quick half, it was level as the athletes grabbed a well deserve break.
Brendon Stewart started the constant flow of touchdowns in the second half with Drummayne Dayberg-Muir, no stranger to the scoreline got another.
Chris Farrow added to his tally but the Kiwis were making the Aussies work hard for every touchdown.
Cavanagh scored another matched Chris Farrow and with Stewart scoring on the overlap, it was 8-8 with only minutes left to play.
The game looked set to go to drop-off but with seconds to go, Michael Cavanagh scored in the corner to give the Kiwis a thrilling last minute victory.
The crowd stood as one to congratulate the players on a thrilling match. The young Kiwi team stepped up to the mark on the games biggest stage, much to the delight of their coach who had brought many over the players up through the ranks.
It was a well deserved victory and with the series well and truly alive.
Last Modified on 22/01/2010 20:02