The Magpies came up against an in form Auckland Vulcan’s outfit who are equal
leaders of the competition following recent wins against the Central Coast and
Newtown Jets.
The game got under way at a cracking pace, but not long after the kick off,
Wests lost their Captain and back row forward Rocky Trimarchi with an arm
injury. He took no further part in the game.
In the 3rd minute Auckland scored what was to be the first of their nine tries of
the afternoon, giving them an early 6 nil lead. The Magpies responded in the
8th minute after the Vulcan’s spilled the ball following a strong tackle from the
Magpies forwards. Seizing on the moment Wests hooker Troy O’Sullivan scooted
from dummy half to claim a try of his own. Half Rhys Lenarduzzi’s conversion
put the Magpies back on an even playing field.
What could have been? The Magpies, with all the momentum went close to
score on two occasions after the ball was spread wide, but the last pass went to
ground in sight of the try line.
The score line remained unchanged for the following 20 minutes with both
teams putting on a great display of attacking and defensive football, but it was
Auckland who would break the deadlock, adding a converted try to their tally.
Vulcan’s 12 Wests 6.
In the 29th minute Wests prop David Fifita broke through the Vulcan’s defensive
line. He showed good pace before off loading to fullback Cassiano Jr Aiga who
sprinted away to score near the posts. Lenarduzzi added the extras to lock up
the game at 12 all.
I am sure most spectators would have been happy for the teams to leave the
field for half time with the score unchanged. This would have obviously been a
clear reflection of the evenness of the affair, but in the final 4 minutes of the first
half, Auckland put on 2 further converted tries to take a 22 points to 12 lead.
The Magpies never got back into the game with the Vulcan’s racing away to a 38
points to 12 lead mid way through the second half. The Magpies hit back briefly
when centre three quarter Andrew Everingham scored after a bullocking run
which was followed by a try to prop forward Leihaha Pulu from close range , but
the Vulcan’s finished too strong to run out winners 50 points to 20.
The Magpies committed too many errors at crucial times which handed the
Vulcan’s possession and good field position. To their credit, the Vulcan’s took full
advantage of the Magpies errors to record their 6th win of the season.
Scorers for the Magpies – Troy O’Sullivan, Cassiano Jr Aiga, Andrew
Everingham and Leihaha Pulu. Rhys Lenarduzzi 2 conversions.
Leo’s best – Troy O’Sullivan was a standout in both attack and defense. His
form this season has been outstanding. David Harris, playing his first game at
five eight also had a strong game as did prop forward David Fifita.
Players’ player – Troy O’Sullivan and David Fifita.
Next game – Wests Magpies vs. North Sydney Bears Round 8 3pm Sunday 1
May 2011 North Sydney Oval.
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