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Insider Knowledge On The Gippsland Wildcats 27/07/02

By Kiri Hiriaki - 30th July 2002 - Back to News

The match of the round in the Melbourne Rugby League competition was Gippsland Wildcats as they took on an experienced Waverley/Oakley Panthers side. Waverley/Oakley Panthers proved worthy adversaries providing 70 minutes of tough exchanges. Wildcats came into the game with conviction and commitment after Waverley/Oakley Panthers defeated them in early June.

With a total of seven sets of six, Wildcats completed them all. Waverley/Oakley Panthers having loss the toss, kicked-off the opening of an action-packed first half. The fifteenth minute of the match saw lock forward Jared Hiriaki take the ball 7 metres from their goal popping it to winger Tony Stevens to score the first try unconverted. Five minutes later after slipping through Wildcats defence, Waverley scored there first converted try. With Waverley receiving the ball from kick-off an unforced error by them gave Wildcats a penalty to gain possession allowing left winger Brett Low the opportunity to score wide an unconverted try to take the lead 8/6. Five minutes later from a penalty, Waverley/Oakleigh Panthers ran in to score their second try unconverted. With only three minutes remaining before half time, a brilliant set play saw half back David Noda run the ball for a quick pass to centre Dean Bradford before off-loading to coach/player Vincent Hiriaki as he bust Waverley/Oakleigh’s strong defence to score the only converted try for Wildcats in this half placing Wildcats in the lead 14/10.

In the first three minutes of the opening Waverley/Oakleigh Panthers took control to score a converted try. Fifteen minutes remaining Waverley/Oakleigh Panthers caught Wildcats on the hop to score yet another try taking the lead to 20/14. The exchanges there after enthralled the spectators knowing that week-by-week, Wildcats performance increases with confidence. Wildcats realising there was little time remaining immediately opened the way for Jo Csik to score the last try of the day under the post for half back David Noda kick for conversion levelling the game to 20/20. Gippsland Wildcats defence was incredible all day displaying great discipline.

This weekend Wildcats comes up against Moorabbin Raiders on Sunday, 4th August at Harold Preston Park, Traralgon with a 1.00 PM kick off.

Tries scored: Tony Stevens; Brett Low; Vincent Hiriaki; Jo Csik (1)

Conversion: David Noda (2)

Players Player: Jared Hiriaki

Players Award: Jared Hiriaki; Tony Huxford & Mark McRae

Ladder After Round 14

Team	For	Agst	%	Points
Altona*	388	192	202	26
St. Kilda	425	324	131	22
Ballarat	320	234	136	20
Sharks	300	290	103	16
Redbacks	220	412	54	16
Waverley	408	365	112	15
Gippsland	278	294	95	13
Doveton	240	342	70	12
Moorabbin*	182	244	76	8

* indicates games yet to be played

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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