Round 1 v Northern Bulldogs

The Halswell Hornets Premiers have held off a strong Northern Bulldogs side after a poor second half performance from last season’s Grand Finalists. While the Hornets did well to lead at half time, it was only their stellar defence that prevented the Bulldogs from taking the away the two points from the Hornets’ Nest. The game was only one of few played, due to all Canterbury Rugby League games other than Premiers and Reserves being cancelled due to inadequate grounds.

The Hornets started the game well, showing staunch defence from kick off, and within a couple of sets had Northern back on their own line. A couple of plays later Sam Kelso crossed the line to score on his return to the CRL Premiership competition. Will Tafua also dotted down out wide as the Hornets took an advantage into the half time break. The Hornets second half performance was marred with a number of penalties and dropped ball. But once again it was the Hornets defence that held firm. While three tries made it through the Hornets defence, the wealth of possession that the Bulldogs had could have meant they had scored many more tries. As play was camped out down the Hornets end of the field for the first 30 minutes of the second half, the Hornets maintained their lead. In the final 10 minutes of the game, the defensive line stepped up a notch and was able to force the Bulldog into errors. Two late tries extended the lead, which the Hornets would hold until the end of the game. The Bulldogs dotted down with a consolation try to finish the scoring in what turned out to be quite a scrappy game.

We must not forget that it was the first game of the season, and the Hornets have taken away the two points to begin the season. However, the side will be looking to step up their performance as they look forward to another encounter with arch rivals, the Hornby Panthers. The Panthers began their season with a Good-Friday loss to the Linwood Keas during their centenary celebrations, and will be looking to get on the board in the Premiership standings. We hope that a big Red, Black and Gold crowd with follow over the Halswell Junction Railway to face our arch rivals. So get on down to Leslie Park at 2.45pm on Saturday 13 April and support our Premier side as they seek to start the season with a two from two record!

Go the mighty Hornets!!!

Halswell Hornets 26 – Tries: Sam Kelso, Toi Sepuloni, Will Tafua, Manu Weepu, Brad Austin; Goals – Jordan Kane (3);

BEAT Northern Bulldogs 18 – Tries: Anthony Bergman, Ben Creagh, Josh Reuben, Thomas Mansfield; Goals – Duane Wineti (1).