While it was more a day for ducks on Saturday, the Otara Scorpions showed everybody that they can go well in the rain too in their round two match against the Howick Hornets.
This was the second round of the Auckland Rugby League Fox Memorial Premiership qualifier series.
With Howick starting fast and getting into attacking zones early on, it was Otara’s desperation in their defense and constant pressure that won the early exchanges, keeping the Hornets scoreless and forcing errors with a few copy book tackles.
Fifteen minutes in, and with momentum now very much in the home side’s favour, the Scorps didn’t waste their opportunity to post first points, going up 6-0.
Otara’s belief from this moment was evident. They remained disciplined in defence, ran hard and maintained a high completion rate for such wet conditions.
This saw them get a roll on, stacking on two further tries before the Hornets would eventually cross late in the half through reserve Nukurua Ngere.
With the score at 16-6, Howick gave away a penalty on the hooter, which in turn resulted in a sin bin and saw them go down to 12 players for the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
The penalty goal was subsequently kicked by Otara, leading into the sheds at half time with an 18-6 scoreline.
In a similar fashion to the first stanza, the Hornets came out with speed and a clear intent.
Once again though, Otara weathered the storm with their united defensive line and swung the momentum back in their favor just as Howick were returned to the full complement of 13 players.
The Scorps didn’t look back from here and they would go on to extend their lead, scoring two further converted tries, taking the score to 28-6.
While it wasn’t a day for the Hornets in the end, the lads never gave up.
Thanks to this attitude, Ngere crossed over for another late try in the corner, off the back of a slick, very Hornet-esque set of six to finish the game with a final score of 28-10.
Despite a loss, the Hornets will be looking to start next weekend against pool toppers and longtime famous rivals the Otahuhu Leopards in what will be an absolute unmissable game for Hornets supporters and Howick locals alike.
Should the Te Atatu Roosters win and Howick lose this weekend, it will be the first time since their inaugural year (or in 13 seasons) that the Hornets will miss the 1st division.
The talented Howick Hornets 1st division Premier Women also kick off their season this weekend at Cornwall Park against Manukau Magpies.
FOX MEMORIAL QUALIFIER SERIES RESULTS
Howick Hornets vs Otara Scorpions
Half Time: Howick 6 – Otara 18
Full Time: Howick 10 – Otara 28
Tries: Nukurua Ngere (2)
Conversion(s): Drew Radich
Pakuranga Jaguars vs Mangere East Hawks
Half Time: Pakuranga 0 – Mangere 10
Full Time: Pakuranga 10 – Mangere 30
Other Fixtures
Manukau Magpies 12 – Point Chevalier Pirates 24
Mount Albert Lions 16 – Bay Roskill Vikings 32
Hibiscus Coast Raiders 18 – Richmond Rovers 24
Northcote Tigers 12 – Glenora Bears 34
Papakura Sea Eagles 22 – Marist Saints 24
Te Atatu Roosters 28 – Otahuhu Leopards 38
Upcoming Fixtures
Round 3, Pool A, Fox Memorial Qualifier Series- Pakuranga Jaguars Premier Men VS Manukau Magpies Premier Men at Ti Rakau Park- Saturday April 29, 2.30pm.
Round 3, Pool D, Fox Memorial Qualifier Series- Howick Hornets Premier Men VS Otahuhu Leopards Premier Men at Paparoa Park- Saturday April 29, 2.30pm.
