Harlequins Under 17’s Hammer Saracens 66-12
1st October 2009 09:35AM
After letting themselves down the week before against the Auckland Divisional XV, the NZ Harlequins got about business right from the kick off against the Saracens. The team started with great enthusiasm and attitude. The forwards were much superior at the set phases and at the breakdown allowing them to provide quick quality ballto their elusive and powerful backs. The boys ran their patterns with precision and this saw them take an early 21-0 lead. Unfortunately a lapse of discipline and concentration over the second 15 minutes of the first half allowed the Saracens to build some confidence and get right back into the game by replying with 2 tries of their own. Five minutes before half time the Harlequins settled back into their work and scored from some well executed phase play.
After the half time break it was pretty much one way traffic as the Harlequin players settled into their patterns and stuck with it till the final whistle. Several players made powerful runs, busting through desperate defence, off loading to any one of several support players and scoring some spectacular tries. Meli Lacanivalu CCNZ and Joshua Solomon CCNZ dominated the lineouts, winning all their own ball and stealing just about all the Saracens ball. Kale Pomare Forest View and Tane Mita Cambridge were more than a handful for the Saracens back line. The players were happy to secure a win while also providing a great spectacle for the Senior Harlequin Club Members who made the long trip to support the boys. Harlequins were led well by Captain for the day, Logan Daniels CCNZ. Blake Lingard St Johns College, was the outstanding forward player for the Harlequins while Isaako Peato-Lista was the stand out in the back line.
Half time score: Harlequins 28 – Saracens 12
Full time score: Harlequins 66 – Saracens 12
Try scorers: Bruce Jones (2) HBHS, Isaako Peato-Lista (2) Putaruru College, Hayden Sweeny Morrinsville, Logan Daniels CCNZ, Haami Martin Raglan Area School, Shaun Dixon Hinuera, Blake Lingard St Johns, Tane Mita Cambridge High.
Conversions: Italia Tualeiti (8)
