Junior Teams
UST. 18S TESTED AGAINST NEW ZEALAND'S BEST CLUB TEAMS |
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 AUSTRALIAN 18'S MENS: Australian 18's Mens lost to Canterbury Mens Open 4 - 7 The Australian Mens competed well early with the game going to both ends quickly early in the game. At the 5 minute mark a long ball from half to Ji Bonner put the Australians in the lead. The Canterbury team quickly responded to level the scores. Canterbury scored again shortly after to lead 2-1. Late in the half Canterbury showed great enterprise to keep the ball alive and move the ball from defence to attack in one touch and score two touches later, taking a 3-1 lead into half time. In the second half the Australians scored two excellent touchdowns through good lead up work from Shannon Sankey and an intercept from Pat Smith. Canterbury were physical and dominant throughout the half, scoring from the half on a number of occasions. Australian Coach Colm Maguire says this Mens 18's group is the best bonded team he has been involved in, with strong friendships being formed during the trip. "The team has a great deal of self-belief in it's ability to achieve better results than the previous Australian 18's mens teams in New Zealand," he says. "The players are looking forward to every challenge and cherish the opportunity to represent their country. These guys are all proud representatives and are jumping out of their skin to play for Australia." AUSTRALIAN 18'S WOMENS: Australian 18's Womens lost to Canterbury Womens Open 3 - 4. In similar circumstances to the younger womens team the two halves were major contrasts. The Australians were down 0-3 after 12 minutes, but got one back to be 1-3 down at half time after the ball was sent wide for a touchdown. Some excellent work around the ruck presented opportunities which were capitalised on with the Australian girls scoring twice in the half. |
