After losing their opening game, MAGS Rugby League First XIII left nothing to chance in the game against Papatoetoe High School, running in nine unanswered tries to win 48-0. MAGS scored off their first possession when an attempted grubber kick was played at by a Papatoetoe defender, the tackle count was restarted and a couple of plays later Kayal Iro scored the first of his double on the left.
Al Jermaine was next, again on the left edge. He was later rewarded for a strong all-round performance by being named player of the game. Bonowai Baledrokadroka scored after PHS conceded territory and possession by giving away a penalty. Nela Ta’ufo’ou finished off the first half scoring by sliding in under the posts.
PHS brought some renewed energy to the contest at the start of the half but Javvier Pitovao had also entered the game for MAGS, and he marshalled the defence and made some good ground on attack to hold off any comeback from the southern boys. Noah Foster opened the scoring in the second half when he stepped off his right foot to fool the defence. Kayal’s second was the result of a great back door pass from Kayne Mave to Jeremiah Schuster and a strong run from Kayal. Kayne then raced through a gap to score next to the posts and Nela got his second soon after. Noah finished off the day with the best individual try when he scorched 60m and stepped inside the last defender to round out the scoring. MAGS kicked six of nine conversions.
Next up is Westlake Boys tomorrow, giving MAGS a chance to finish second in their pool.