Pre-Season Tournament: Round 3

Once again the Hornets’ have shown a dislike for Golden Point extra-time. It took a quick field goal by the Linwood Keas to sink the Halswell Hornets Premiers aspirations of going one further in the Pre-Season tournament. In successive years, the Hornets have finished second in the tournament that officially opens the Canterbury Rugby League season. The Hornets will be rueing a slow start in the game, which ultimately cost them the chance to finish on top. However a late rally saw the Hornets level the scores at the full-time whistle. But it was the Keas who came out on top in Golden Point, after the scores remained level after extra time, to open up their Centenary year with a new piece of silverware for the trophy-cabinet.

In what is becoming a regular occurrence, the Hornets began very slowly against a big Linwood side. The Hornets were unable to prevent the Keas forwards from getting quick play the balls, which had them on the back foot. With the early pressure, the Keas were able to pick up a couple of quick tries. The Keas taking a two try lead into half time. When the Keas were pinned on their own line, the Hornets were unable to convert as they lacked the depth and patience to cross the white line. However when the Hornets came out after half time, the defence that proved so effective the prior two weeks returned, and they prevented the Keas from piling on any more points. With eight minutes to go the Hornets still trailed by 10 points. In a display of utter determination, the Hornets were able to get down the Keas line and grab two tries to halves Jason Galland and Toi Sepuloni. As only one of the tries was converted, it meant the game went to extra time with the scores locked at 18-all. Joe Pombo was able to show significant strength to power over in the first 5 minute spell, but unfortunately this was negated by a try to Linwood’s Rakatau Rawiri out wide. With the scores still locked up, 24-all at the end of extra time, Golden Point was signalled by the referee. A number of missed tackles saw the Keas perfectly placed in front of the uprights to pot a drop goal and seal the 25-24win and the Championship Final.

While the Halswell Hornets were on the wrong side of the ledger, nobody can doubt that it was an epic game of Rugby League! The Premier side now gets a break over Easter weekend to recover before they play the Northern Bulldogs in Round One of the 2013 CRL Season. The Bulldogs will be fresh from their close Plate Final win over the Riccarton Knights. As the Hornets look to regroup from the Pre-season tournament, they will be seeking to grab an early 2-points and get their season under way with a Round One win. So get on down to the Hornet’s Nest (Halswell Domain) at 2.45pm on Saturday 6 April, grab a sausage (or two) and support our boys!

Go the mighty Hornets!!!

Linwood – 25

Halswell – 24