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Insider Knowledge On The Gippsland Wildcats 04/08/02

By Kiri Hiriaki - 6th August 2002 - Back to News

Wildcats diminished any hope of Moorabbin Raiders climbing the ladder punishing them in style defeating Raiders 48-12 at Harold Preston Park last Sunday.

Whatever else Wildcats have learned about themselves since their turbulent start to the season having entered the Melbourne Rugby League competition in Round 3, they have come to the realisation that anything’s possible.

Coming off a smashing win over St. Kilda Saints in Round 13 and a thrilling draw against Waverley/Oakley Panthers last weekend, Wildcats had a golden opportunity to blitz Moorabbin Raiders off the scales and blitz them they (Wildcats) did.

With the Raiders outfit boasting a fitter side, Wildcats was always expected to be too strong not only with strength in numbers but also and more importantly with their defence. This has become increasingly obvious over the weeks as Wildcats mixture of experienced players with the inexperienced paying off, gaining wide respect from Melbourne teams.

All went according to plan for the Wildcats in the first five minutes as front rower Tony Huxford went over for the first converted try then just minutes later lock forward Mana Makiakama ran in to score four points.

With the scoreboard reading 10-0 Wildcats were caught on the hop as Raiders half back found a gap to score their only try for this half converted. Within minutes after, a set move saw Wildcats second row Jo Csik take a barnstorming run only to be held up as he tried to set the ball down for another try.

The awaited golden opportunity came quicker than Wildcats could imagine when a cut out pass from Jared Hiriaki found the quick hands of reserve full back Colin Noda score another four pointer taking the lead 14-0. The Raiders players on the front foot in attack attempted to sniff a try from a penalty gained with a Wildcat player being offside only to see their chances spoiled by spilling the ball. With two minutes remaining and gaining ball advantage, Wildcats five eighth Dwayne Noda scored the last four points for this half with twin David Noda kicking for goal two points taking the lead 20-6 at half time.

A much awaited plan for the second half saw prop Jared Hiriaki run in to score a converted try within two minutes of the opening. Raiders were provided with a chance to redeem them after receiving a penalty only to have that chance foiled from an intercept pass touching the hands of half back David Noda to run in 40 metres scoring four points under the post receiving two more points as he kicked for goal. Raiders were tiring from defending their line proving futile with prop Jared Hiriaki scoring two tries consecutively, one try converted and starting full back Reno Sobari scoring the last converted try for the day. Raiders could only notch up a single converted try in this half but that was never going to be enough against a side that was just waiting to click into gear. Wildcats took a commanding lead 48-12 at full time.

This weekend Wildcats takes on Doveton Steelers at Betula Park, Doveton on Sunday 11th August with a 2.00pm kick off. With two more rounds left for Doveton before heading into the finals, they will be fielding their strongest side as there is only one point the difference on the ladder. The bus will depart from Ryan’s Hotel car park at 10.30am with bookings essential for supporters to be received no later than Saturday to Kiri on 5175 0733 or 0422 151 197.

Tries scored: Jared Hiriaki (3); Reno Sobari; David Noda; Dwayne Noda; Tony Huxford; Mana Makiakama & Colin Noda (1)

Conversion: David Noda (6)

Best on Ground: Chris McRae

Players Award: Chris McRae/Jared Hiriaki; Tommy Tangohau & Reno Sobari

When they scored: 2 min: Wildcats 6-0 (Huxford try, D. Noda goal). 5 min: Wildcats 10-0 (Makiakama try). 10 min: Raiders 10-6 (Hollid try/goal). 15 min: Wildcats 14-6 (C. Noda try). 33 min: Wildcats 20-6 (Dw Noda try, D. Noda goal). 37 min: Wildcats 26-6 (J. Hiriaki try, Noda goal). 43 min: Raiders 26-12 (Harris try/goal). 45 min: Wildcats 32-12 (D. Noda try/goal). 60 min: Wildcats 36-12 (J. Hiriaki try). 65 min: Wildcats 42-12 (J. Hiriaki try, Noda goal). 69 min: Wildcats 48-12 (Sobari try, Noda goal).

Ladder After Round 14

Team For Agst % Points
Altona 392 204 u/k 26
St. Kilda 457 360 u/k 22
Ballarat 356 250 u/k 22
Sharks 300 290 u/k 18
Waverley 420 369 u/k 17
Redbacks 336 448 u/k 16
Gippsland 326 306 u/k 15
Doveton 276 276

u/k

14
Moorabbin 194 292 u/k 8

U/K indicates Unknown


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippslander.com



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