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Insider Knowledge On The Gippsland Wildcats 25-08-02

By Kiri Hiriaki - 27th August 2002 - Back to News

Gippsland Rugby League Wildcats seeks solace after a disappointing outcome last Sunday from a catch up game from Round 4 as they drew 28 all with Southern Sharks however Melbourne Rugby League Executives will hear disputes from Sharks, Waverley & Wildcats at the Division meeting on Tuesday night regarding another club playing unregistered players against them that may have a great affect on finals berth.

Although the draw places Sharks equal with Waverley Panthers on the ladder with 21 points it will be disclosed after MRL Executives meet as to which club is playing off in the top four. Waverley should receive the fourth sport given they top the count in point’s difference.

Both teams were disadvantaged before kick-off delaying the match by 25-minutes as a Sharks player was involved in a car accident in Traralgon leaving Wildcats to take the longest warm-up known. The encounter with Sharks was one of high intensity, as both teams understood this match to be the decider of who will be taking a holiday. A penalty going to Wildcats placed the first two points on the scoreboard but just two minutes later after the re-start kick-off, the quick thinking of fullback Reno Sobari plunged over the line to score a six pointer. Within five minutes, Sharks replied running in to place their first six points on the board then three minutes later from the re-start kick-off, Sharks responded scoring another six points. As the intensity picked up so too the exchanges with Wildcats stepping up the pace for Jared Hiriaki to score the last two tries with one conversion heading to half time Wildcats leading 18/12.

The second half provided a bone-crunching, seesawing second half. Wildcats and Sharks came back on the field each hyped with the intention of walking away as victors. It took only three minutes for Captain David Noda to score a converted try but Sharks found an opening penetrating Wildcats defence to place six points on the board providing a four-point margin. The penetration opened the way for Sharks to equal the scoreboard of 24/24 to score a six pointer. The boosting confidence of Tommy Tangohau throwing a spear pass taking Jared Hiriaki over the line to score a hat trick with Wildcats leading 28/24. A penalty going Wildcats in the last two minutes almost sealed the game however a turnover to Sharks gave them the last opportunity to score four points levelling the game 28/28.

Gippsland Rugby League hosts MRL Division 1st Semi-Finals on Sunday, 1st September at Maryvale Recreation Reserve, Morwell. Kick-off times are 1.00PM then 3:00PM with two matches playing simultaneously on East & West ovals.

Tries scored: Jared Hiriaki (3) David Noda & Reno Sobari (1)

Conversions: David Noda (3); Jared Hiriaki (1)

Best on Ground: Chris McRae

Players Award: Joe Huni; Reno Sobari & Matt Twomey

When They Scored: Gippsland: 28 14.25 min: Wildcats 2-0 (David Noda Penalty). 16.08 min: Wildcats 8-0 (Sobari try, Noda goal). 21 min: Sharks 8-6 (Drollet try, Orgon goal). 23.22 min: Sharks 8-12 (Drollet try, Orgon goal). 28.40 min: Wildcats 14-12 (J. Hiriaki try, Noda goal). 33.34 min: Wildcats 18-12 (J. Hiriaki try). 38.33 min: Wildcats 24-12 (David Noda, try J. Hiriaki goal). 55.48 min: Sharks 24-18 (Drollet try, Orgon goal). 60.50 min: Sharks 24-24 (Vaiimere try, Orgon goal). 62.70 min: Wildcats 28-24 (J. Hiriaki try). 69 min: Sharks 28-28 (Burton try).

Ladder After Round 18

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	368	360	+8	21
Gippsland	470	360	+110	20
Redbacks	250	446	196	16
Doveton	294	438	-144	14
Moorabbin	204	356	-152	10

Yours in Rugby League, Kiri Hiriaki – Secretary

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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