Round 12 v Linwood Keas

The Halswell Hornets Premiers have held the ladder-leading Linwood Keas to a 20-all draw at Linwood Park. The Keas’ second draw of the season means that the Hornets remain only one point behind them on the 2013 CRL Premiership ladder, however a big win by the Hornby Panthers mean they are hot on the tails of the top two sides (3 points behind the Hornets. While the Hornets were again without several frontline players, it meant that three players had to perform the ultimate act of courage by playing in the Premier game after helping the Hornets Reserves knock over the previously unbeaten Keas Reserves side. The Hornets Premiers put a solid performance in against the top side in 2013, but will be looking to further improve in the final three rounds of the regular season.

Unlike previous performances against the Keas, the Hornets settled into their game plan fairly quickly. The rattled Keas gave away early penalties, providing the Hornets Premiers opportunity to strike early. As Toi Sepuloni drifted across field on the left side, Erwin Sauni straightened the play up as he burst through the defence to score a stunning try and open the scoring. The wealth of early possession provided more points when Nick Phillips scored off some second phase play. With the Hornets holding a 12-nil lead after the first quarter, they let their guard slip and Linwood mounted a comeback. With the Hornets having taken their foot off the pedal, Linwood began to make significant metres on the fringes. Big centre, Siona Tuiloma, scored out wide to open their scoring, while Kodi Warbrick stepped through the scattered Hornets defence to score under the posts. The Keas continued their assault on the red, black and gold lead (12-10) after half time, dominating a tired Hornets side. The Keas scored twice more out wide before the Hornets dug deep to tighten the game up. The next period of play was a tit-for-tat encounter as both sides showed some steely defence to hold out their opposition. It took some magic from Hornets captain, Toi Sepuloni, to shorten the Keas 20-12 lead. Sepuloni chipped over the Keas’ defensive line, before regathering and dancing around the Keas’ fullback to score out wide. However, he was unable to make the conversion, meaning that the Hornets required a converted try in the last 10 minutes to take the two points away from the hosts. While Sepuloni’s kick assisted him in grabbing his try, other half, Ross Martin showed his skill with the boot as he put throw a stunning grubber for Erwin Sauni to score his second of the day. However, the scores remained tied as the final conversion was waved away – both sides only able to convert two of their four tries. The Hornets put together some crucial defence to deny the Keas any chance of stealing a win in the final minutes, as the final whistle blew to consolidate a draw between the two teams.

The Hornets now turn their attention to a trip to Crosbie Park as they seek to take on the Riccarton Knights. The wounded Knights will be looking to rebound from a 52-6 thrashing at the hands of reigning champions, the Hornby Panthers. The Knights will be seeking another win to ensure that they avoid the wooden spoon in 2013 and will be a tough side to beat on their home turf. With the Hornets welcoming back their machine-like lock, Jordan Kane, they will be looking to put together a big performance in their run home towards the finals series. So get on down to Crosbie Park at 2.45pm on Saturday 6^th June and support our Premiers as they look to slay the Riccarton Knights!

Go the mighty Hornets!!!

Halswell Hornets – 20; Tries: Erwin Sauni (2), Toi Sepuloni, Nick Phillips; Goals: Toi Sepuloni (2);

Linwood Keas – 20; Tries: Siona Tuiloma, Chase Martin, Kodi Warbrick, Phil Wahnig; Goals: Leon Boyd (2).