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Insider Knowledge On The Gippsland Wildcats for July

By Kiri Hiriaki - 16th July 2002 - Back to News

In Short –

Wildcats hot on the trot defeating second seed St. Kilda Saints 48/42 on Sunday, 14th July 2002.

In Detail –

Gippsland Wildcats are slowly pulling themselves out of the slump with two wins up their sleeves from their last four games defeating one of Melbourne Rugby League’s oldest clubs St. Kilda Saints 48/42 last Sunday at Elwood Reserve, St. Kilda.

In what was classed as perfect football conditions Wildcats proved tough candidates against St. Kilda Saints. Saints appeared to be raging favourites to win this match on Sunday against Wildcats showing outstanding depth through their defence. Saints, sitting second on the ladder should have been in far better form than the Wildcats. The Wildcats are not the first and won’t be the last team to be over-run by the Saints this season and significantly it wasn’t until the last twenty minutes of the first half Saints took control.

In the first twenty minutes of the opening, with four penalties going Wildcats way, this provided them with the opportunity for a scoring rampage catching Saints on the hop. Saints refusal to come into the game made it all that easy for Wildcats to grasp a good lead, which was surprising given, Saints are not usually so generous. As Wildcats would have it, it was only a matter of time before Saints realised the damage Wildcats were making deciding to step up the game by picking up their defence when Wildcats spilled the ball and Saints gained possession. Soon after, Saints found their form to score three converted tries but Wildcats wasted no time in replying with a massive full bench in tow to score as they headed into half time leading 24/18.

The second half provided the spectators with a match they have long waited to see as the scoring seesawed from one team to the other. The exchanges were tougher with the play becoming faster however unforced errors was Wildcats failing providing Saints with ample time and free space with possession to score a converted try putting them equal on the score board. Saints defence was proving hardship for Wildcats to break but with the clever thinking of their five-eight, drawing players towards him, he provided an open space for a converted try putting Wildcats ahead six points 30/24. Saints replied in the same manner scoring three converted tries leading 42/30. With only ten minutes remaining it was a race against time for Wildcats who by this stage took control completely. The gutsy determination of the Wildcats forwards damaged Saints line to open the way for the backs to score two-converted tries. With three minutes remaining and Saints holding possession of the ball it looked doom and gloom for Wildcats however an error by Saints gave Wildcats possession. Wildcats displayed their wares pulling out all the stops with only a minute to spare when their five-eighth swerved around two Saints players finding a gap to score the winning try of the day converted. It was an encounter where both teams displayed discipline and determination however Wildcats came up trumps with Saints falling victim to a 48/42 defeat by Wildcats.

Tries scored: Jared Hiriaki, Dwayne Noda (2); Reno Sobari; Rob Mazza; Vincent Hiriaki; Jo Csik and Peta Tumahana (1)

Conversion: David Noda (6)

Players Player: Dwayne Noda

Players Awards: Jared Hiriaki (Commercial Hotel, Glengarry); Jo Csik (Bushies Bakeries & Pizza); David Noda (Network Video).

Current Ladder

Team	P	W	L	For	Agst	%	Points
Altona*	10	10	1	312	156	200	22
St. Kilda	12	9	4	350	290	120	18
Ballarat	11	7	5	286	222	128	16
Waverley	12	7	6	372	314	84	14
Sharks	10	5	6	236	224	105	14
Redbacks	10	5	6	202	268	75	14
Gippsland	11	5	7	240	232	103	12
Doveton	10	4	6	174	280	62	10
Moorabbin*	9	3	8	152	174	87	8

* indicates games yet to be played

Wildcats travel this Saturday to play Altona Roosters at Altona with a 1.00pm kick off. If current form counts for anything then the Wildcats will hold the edge although the Roosters have proven to be a far better side with home ground advantage. The bus will leave Ryan’s car park at 9.00am. Bookings must be made to Kiri on 5175 0733 by Friday.

Yours in Rugby League, Kiri Hiriaki – Secretary

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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