Katikati College hosts home matches

• Published date: 27 May 2021
• Author: COLLEGE SPORT Juliet Dunlop Fraser

The U16s kicked off first in a tough match that started with the junior team playing with great structure, using the full width of the field and recycling the ball well. The forwards were strong and new player Cory Orr-Gosse looked impressive. Once again Shaun Lesa was on fire, using his powerful running to good effect.

KKC lost a bit of shape towards the end of the first half allowing Trident to get ahead on the scoreboard.

The second half saw fresh legs on the field and a burst of energy with Gad Tata and Isiah Dalleston hitting lines at pace and making good yards.

Shayden Hemopo and Lyrique Jacob-Tahana worked hard and Lincoln Morrison’s tackling was great, as was Dikshal Prasad’s. Cruz Hodson was busy behind the ruck and the backs started to get the ball to Dylan Main in space, resulting in a couple of runaway tries. Another new player Levi Hersey got himself into the game well working hard on his tackles and making a couple of great bursts.

KKC were unable to gain ground lost early on but finished strongly to go down, 40-29.

FIRST XVThe 1st XV took the field shortly after to play Trident 1st XV. It was a good start for the visitors who dominated territory early on with KKC having to defend hard, with loosies Dandre Du Plessis and Sean Maguire put to the test.

Sione Kivalu did a lot of tackling along with Zac Arundel in his first outing at centre. The pressure paid off for Trident who scored in the corner.

KKC hit back after the kick off, recovering the ball and recycling well. Aisake Vakasiuola secured possession getting the ball out to Arundel whose pace got him in at the other corner, 7-5 to Trident.

Both sides played enjoyable free flowing rugby. The Vakasiuola brothers were in fine form running hard bringing in Teuaki Tautuaa on the burst and hooker Brynn Landman, also getting around the park, with Maguire’s work on defence outstanding. Before halftime Trident went in again slicing through a gap to make it 14-5 at the break.

Back on the park, both teams were keen to run the ball, Trident kicking to good effect, but Tom Swain and Tautuaa were solid under the high ball. The attacking pressure paid off for Trident however and they scored again to make it 19-5.

KKC hit back, Kivalu running hard and making gains, supported by Arundel and locks Keaton White and Depp Bolingford who were ever present. Mano Tikena was nearly rewarded with a try near the posts, but it was called a knock-on. KKC were given the scrum for an advantage but couldn’t make it...