THE Manurewa Marlins were hooked and cooked by the Howick Hornets 56-20 in an exciting match at Paparoa Park in Auckland Rugby League’s Fox Memorial Trophy competition last Saturday.
In bright sunshine in front of a bumper crowd of 500 in festive mood, the Hornets turned on the skills and style to keep on target for a top four playoffs spot.
The Hornets are fourth-equal with Glenora Bears on 14 points in what is the closest Fox Memorial in years.
The Bears surprised last Saturday by beating defending champions Mt Albert Lions 24-14 at home, while ahead of them and the Hornets on the points table, Otahuhu Leopards (19 points) had a sound 54-16 win over Te Atatu Roosters (12), while Northcote Tigers (15) disposed of the struggling Papakura Sea Eagles (4) 54-20.
In the victory over the Marlins (2), it was a total team effort by the Hornets, with the forwards setting a strong platform for the halves and playmakers to launch attacks.
All the forwards delivered, with Mark Phillips, Tony Tuia, Mafoa Filipi, Aidan Howard, Andrew Wharton and Blake Ewe always involved in the action, in attack and on defence.
Key to Howick’s success was the efficient playmaking skills around the scrums and play-the-ball areas of player-coach and hooker Lee Wetherill, halfback Troy Becroft, standoff Jason Tavita and fullback Steve Waetford.
They varied the play and angles thoughtfully, by using short passes to feed hard-running forwards such as Howard to break gaps, then backed up in support often regaining possession, while clever grubber and field kicks were used to turn and pressurise the Marlins in their quarter.
Centres and wings Troy Hanley, Mark Lemalu, Karl Hill and goalkicker Warren Bray also had strong performances.
While the Hornets were jubilant on Saturday evening after their most comprehensive victory in their first season in the Fox Memorial Trophy first division, Wetherill and his head coach brother Ryan know they have to keep the players feet firmly on the ground, with two round robin matches remaining before the playoffs, starting with a difficult home game against Papakura this Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the second division Sharman Cup, the Pakuranga Jaguars remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder, after their spirited 28-10 home defeat to East Coast Bays Barracudas last Saturday.
In the Appliance Shed Fox Memorial Trophy this Saturday, Howick Hornets tackle Papakura Sea Eagles at Paparoa Park, 2.30pm. Delayed coverage of the game screens on Maori Television on Sunday at 2pm.
