Round 5 v Linwood Keas

The Halswell Hornets Premiers have suffered their first loss of the 2013 CRL Premiership, but their second loss against the Linwood Keas in 2013. In another game that looked set to go into extra time, a late Linwood try gave them the two points. It was a battle of the two unbeaten sides that sit far ahead of the other six teams on the competition ladder, but the Keas now sit on top as the only unbeaten side. The Hornets again suffered from a slow start, but were able to hit back swiftly with four unanswered tries either side of half time.

The Linwood Keas raced out to a 12-nil lead courtesy of two early tries. However the Hornets hit back with two tries of their own to their speed men, Matt Sauni and Aaron Endacott. However, both conversions were missed, leaving the Hornets trailing 12-8 at half time. In blustery conditions at Halswell Domain, the Hornets took advantage by putting a kick over the Linwood defence, which was pounced on by Erwin Sauni. The Hornets comeback was furthered by another solo effort by Jordan Kane, who produced yet another stunning try by busting through the defence and beating the fullback. The lock’s rich vein of form a highlight for the Hornets. However, their 20-12 lead was destroyed by two quick tries to Linwood’s wiry centre Phil Wahnig. With less than ten minutes on the clock, the Hornets evened the scores with Endacott’s second try of the afternoon. With the clock winding down, the Hornets let their defence slip as Linwood’s big winner, in Mark Walsh, struggled over for what was his second try as well. In adding the extras from the kick, the Keas created an unassailable 6 point lead, rendering them winners and the only unbeaten side after five rounds. While both sides scoring five tries, it was the perfect boot of Leon Boyd that proved the difference in the battle of Canterbury’s top two sides.

A quick turnaround is for the Hornets sees them lining up against the Riccarton Knights at home for the second week in a row. Riccarton pushed Hornby to the limits with a loss by the narrowest of margins, going down 24-22 against the defending champions. However the Hornets will be looking to bounce back into the winners circle with a strong performance against the Knights. So get on down to the Hornets Nest (Halswell Domain) at 2.45pm on Saturday 11^th May and support our Premiers as they look to get their fifth win of the 2013 season!

Go the mighty Hornets!!!

Halswell Hornets – 24; Tries: Aaron Endacott (2), Matt Sauni, Erwin Sauni, Jordan Kane; Goals: Toi Sepuloni (2);

Linwood Keas – 30; Tries: Phil Wahnig (2), Mark Walsh (2), Sean McDowell; Goals: Leon Boyd (5).