Junior Teams
AUSTRALIAN 18s MATCH REPORT 2nd & 3rd TESTS |
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 The Australian boys and girls 18 years teams reversed the form shown in the first matches, and the results were likewise. Australian Girls 18s 2nd Test The Australian girls 18s team was not in the match against a more enthusiastic New Zealand outfit. New Zealand scored early and from then on Australia played catch-up. The Australians could not match the speed and agility of the New Zealand team, which has improved substantially over the past few years. At half time the Australians were struggling with the score 2 - 4. After the half time break and presumably some strong words from the Australian coaches the girls hit back to get within one touch-down of the New Zealanders. A sin bin of a New Zealand player for repeated heavy touches provided a further opportunity and the Australians seized it to level the scores. However the New Zealanders then stepped up a gear to score twice more and win the match 6 - 4. The win was significant for international Touch as it was the fist time an Australian youth womens team has been defeated by New Zealand. Australian 18s boys Second Test In stark contrast to the first Test match of the series, the Australian boys 18s team produced a miraculous form reversal, winning the second of three Youth Trans Tasman Test matches. The Australian boys were more enthusiastic, harder at defence and quicker at transitions to match the New Zealand boys in all areas and show the true form they had promised. Down early the Australians took until the17 minute mark to level the scores. The frustration showed in the New Zealand team with some loose ball and undisciplined play. At half time the scores were level 1 each. Australia capitalised on momentum early to take the lead 2 - 1 at the 2 minute mark of the second half. New Zealand scored twice after that and seemed to be heading to a win until Pat Smith ran into a hole to score followed by Josh Lewis later in the half. The Australians held on to the lead to take the match 4 - 3 and keep the Youth Trans Tasman Test Series alive. Referees for the second Tests Boys Col Farlow Shaun Birmingham Andrew Timatu Girls Tammy Clark Dave Field Gavin West Third Test Game reports Australian 18s girls show true form to take the third test. The Australian girls 18 years team produced a massive form reversal in its third Test match when it produced an impressive 7 - 4 win to keep the Youth Trans Tasman Trophy in Australian hands. The return of Jess Howe from injury added pace to the Australian team. Claire Winchester scored first followed by Howe. New Zealand short numbered the Australians soon after to take the score to 2 - 1. Howe again scored after great work from Roxy Winder, who was showing the form she si capable of. Just prior to half time a slip by an Australian player created an overlap for New Zealand and make the score 3 - 2 at half time. Early in the second half a defensive lapse provided an opportunity and New Zealand levelled the scores. As the match wore on the Australians girls confidence appeared to lift and the good work was rewarded when Jarah Jennings scooted through the New Zealand line to pass to Leah Mandell to score. Soon after, Winder created her own opportunity and space to score. Jess Howe was next to take a scoring opportunity, when she was on the end of good work from Emily Hopkin and Claire Winchester. New Zealand scored late in the game, however the Australians finished off with a touch-down by Courtney Hipperson to leave the final score 7 - 4. Australian 18s boys down in the last The Australian boys 18 years team again showed it could match the individual brilliance of the New Zealand team, however some lapses of concentration cost the Australians success. The Australians scored early with some Dylan Hennessy magic when he stepped his opponent to send Scott Buckley over the line. A lapse in defence between the Australian middle and links saw New Zealand level the scores. New Zealand again split the middles to go one up at the half time break. In the second half New Zealand again scored between the middle and links to go to a 3 - 1 lead. Dylan Hennessy again showed why he was one of the best players at the series to make space and flick a pass to Buckley to make the scores 2 - 3. The New Zealanders again short numbered the Australian middle links to take the score to 2 - 4. Late in the match Rhys Whittaker held a typical long pass from Scott Dureau to get the Australians closer 3 - 4. Unfortunately time was not on the Australians side and New Zealand won the match and the boys division of the Youth Trans Tasman Test Series 2 matches to 1. Third Test Referee appointments Boys Andrew Timoti Col Farlow Dave Field Girls Tammy Clark Craig Gray Gavin West |
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