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Insider Knowledge On The Gippsland Wildcats 21-08-02

By Kiri Hiriaki - 19th August 2002 - Back to News

Gippsland Wildcats boasting eight wins, one draw and four losses coming into the Melbourne Rugby League competition in Round 3, shows promise in securing a spot in the finals berth having demolished Cranbourne Redbacks last Sunday with a 64/0 defeat.

The break for Wildcats came within minutes of kick-off when coach/player Vincent Hiriaki scored the first try of the day for David Noda to kick for goal placing four points on the scoreboard. Redbacks defence was unfailing throughout the match at times proving a challenge for Wildcats. A penalty to Wildcats opened the way for David Noda to score under the post converting his try to place another six points on the board. A short kick at the kick off by Redbacks gaining possession of the ball however this was short lived with Wildcats gaining back possession from a steal by David Noda to score wide for Jared Hiriaki to kick for goal to add another six points. With less than 30 seconds remaining to half time, a barnstorming run took Jared Hiriaki over the try line for David Noda to kick for goal taking the lead to 24/0.

After a scoreless first half for Redbacks, they came back on the field with enthusiasm in the hope of crossing the line. Wildcats thwarted any chances of hope for Redbacks by damaging their defence line as within three minutes of opening, Vincent Hiriaki ran in over the try line for David Noda to kick for goal to place another six points with the scoreboard reading 30/0. Wildcats gained possession from a scrum for Mana Makiakama to score and David Noda to kick for goal for another six points. A hat trick from Vincent Hiriaki added another four points then almost ten minutes later, having been on the field less than five minutes, veteran Joe Fue scored wide for David Noda to kick for goal for a six pointer leading 46/0. Chris McRae scored four points with David Noda kicking for two more points knowing that Redbacks were tiring from defence. An opportunity was quickly taken for David Noda to place six points on the scoreboard from an 80 metre run by Jared Hiriaki and with just one minute left on the clock, Vincent Hiriaki notched up his fourth try for the day for David Noda to kick for goal with Wildcats boasting a commanding win over Redbacks 64/0.

Tries scored: Vincent Hiriaki (4) David Noda (3); Jared Hiriaki; Chris McRae; Mana Makiakama & Joe Fue (1)

Conversions: David Noda (9); Jared Hiriaki (1)

Best on Ground: Jared Hiriaki

Players Award: David Noda; Reno Sobari; Mana Makiakama & Chris McRae

When They Scored: 3 min: Wildcats 6-0 (V. Hiriaki try, Noda goal). 18 min: Wildcats 12-0 (Noda, try/goal). 22 min: Wildcats 18-0 (Noda try, J. Hiriaki goal). 34.30 min: Wildcats 24-0 (J. Hiriaki try, Noda goal). 38 min: Wildcats 30-0 (V. Hiriaki try, Noda goal). 48 min: Wildcats 36-0 (Makiakama try, Noda goal). 53 min: Wildcats 40-0 (V. Hiriaki, try). 62 min: Wildcats 46-0 (Fue try, Noda goal). 66 min: Wildcats 52-0 (McRae try, Noda goal). 70 min: Wildcats 58 0 (D. Noda try/goal). 74min: Wildcats 64-0 (V. Hiriaki try, Noda goal).

Ladder After Round 17

Team For Agst -/+ Points
Altona 496 222 +271 30
St. Kilda 454 362 +100 24
Ballarat 380 286 +94 22
Waverley 456 396 +60 21
Sharks 340 332 +8 20
Gippsland 442 332 +110 19
Redbacks 250 446 -196 16
Doveton 294 438

-144

14
Moorabbin 204 356 -152 10

The Gippsland Wildcats Vs Southern Sharks match this Sunday has shaped up to be the clash of the season as both sides vie for finals contention. Southern Sharks loss last Sunday at the hands of No. 1 seeded Altona Roosters has opened the way for Wildcats with this clash being intense, given neither side have met. A win for Wildcats would place them equal with Waverley however, Wildcats high scoring win over Redbacks last Sunday has provided a higher points difference over Waverley that should tip them into fourth spot.

With Wildcats recent form showing possibilities for fourth spot, over-confidence may hinder performance after coming off a massive win last Sunday that is not uncommon. Home ground advantage is always a plus and may seem them through however Wildcats would need to remain totally focussed and patient. The match is on Sunday 25th August at Harold Preston Park, Traralgon with a 2.00PM kick off.

In other news, confirmation has been received from MRL Executives for Gippsland Rugby League to host the Semi-Finals on Sunday 1st September at Morwell.

Yours in Rugby League, Kiri Hiriaki – Secretary


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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