Round 14 v Aranui Eagles

For the third season running, the Halswell Hornets Premiers have stood at the top of the CRL Premiership ladder, taking the Massetti Cup for finishing Minor Premiers. In what was a less than perfect performance from the Hornets, they managed to do enough to walk away with the two points and secure top seed come finals. The Aranui side kept themselves in the game for the entire 80 minutes, only falling to a Jaye Pukepuke drop goal on the full-time whistle. The Hornets ended the regular season with an unconvincing 37-34 win over the lowly Eagles. The result will put in perspective for the Hornets that there is still plenty of work to do before the finals.

Aranui burst out of the blocks early with an early try before Jaye Pukepuke went over to level the scores. The beginning of the match set the scene for the entire match, in what would be a hugely tit-for-tat affair, with the sides trading tries. The Aranui side was not afraid to throw the ball around, and kept the Hornets on their toes with a significant amount of second phase play. Josh Ka was at his dangerous best, as he managed to score from close range with ease. While out wide, the Hornets’ captain Toi Sepuloni showed his wares as he strolled across the Eagles line. Rowan Swain also managed to dot down for the Hornets after a great long ball was received with the line wide open. The Hornets could only muster a two point lead going into the break, Aranui remaining in touch at 18-16. The Hornets lacked of ball control in the first half continued in the second stanza, although their defence prevented further raids by the Aranui attack. Aaron Endacott received two superb long balls in the second half to record a double, while Shannon Knight recorded yet another try. However, down the other end of the field, Josh Ka managed to dance his way through the Hornets line to finish off his hattrick through second phase play. It wasn’t until Daniel Ball scurried over from close range that the Hornets opened up an unassailable eight point lead. While the Eagles scored once more through Kolone Faalilo, it was Jaye Pukepuke’s snap drop goal that was the final play of the match.

While finishing equal on points with the Linwood Keas, the Hornets stole the first place crown on points differential. The Keas will be looking for revenge after having the Massetti Cup taken from their grasp, and they are in hot form after annihilating the Northern Bulldogs in the second half of their encounter, scoring 26 unanswered points. The Hornets will have to up their game to earn a spot in the illustrious CRL Grand Final, although they do have a second chance should things go awry on Saturday. But, the boys will be looking to seal their third successive Grand Final appearance by beating the Linwood Keas for the first time in 2013. So come support the Halswell Hornets Premiers (and Halswell Hornets Reserves before them!), and show your red, black and gold support at Papanui Domain on Saturday 27^th July at 2.45pm as they look to book their place in the 2013 Grand Final!!

Go the mighty Hornets!!!

Halswell Hornets 37 – Tries: Aaron Endacott (2), Daniel Ball, Jaye Pukepuke, Shannon Knight, Toi Sepuloni, Rowan Swain; Goals: Daniel Ball (4); Drop Goal: Jaye Pukepuke;

Aranui Eagles 34 – Tries: Josh Ka (3), Patella Tou (2), Kolone Faalilo; Goals: Daniel Hartley (5).