Papakura and Otara win at Coastal Classic Nines   2 Mar 2015

Auckland Rugby League

2/3/2015

AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE

Papakura and Otara win at inaugural Sportsafe ARL Coastal Classic Nines

For immediate release

The Papakura Sea Eagles have won their second piece of Nines silverware in less than a month, after defeating the Howick Hornets 20-10 in the final of the Sportsafe ARL Coastal Classic Nines on Saturday.

The Sea Eagles went through all eight of their games across the two days in Whitianga without a loss, looking every bit the side which won the Counties-Manukau Nines over Waitangi weekend.

A strong start to match saw Papakura in early through Shawn Stewart, before their game plan was jeopardised by the sin-binning of star playmaker and captain George Edwards.

They could have been forgiven for looking a little shaky after that, but instead strolled down field to score through USA international forward Roman Hifo.

Nicholas Worthington added the extras for a 10-0 lead, before 2014 Junior Warrior James Bell went over on the halftime siren.

The Sea Eagles looked to have scored early in the second half, only to have it called back and Howick register one of their own through Luke Armiger.

Both sides traded points over the remaining minutes, but in the end the Hornets had no answer for a Papakura side who stuck to their structure and executed with precision.

Papakura coach Richie Blackmore said the tournament had been everything he had hoped for, and was impressed with his side and their ability to stick to the plan.

“We have a good bunch of young boys who are enthusiastic and are fit,” the former Kiwi international said.

“It was pleasing that they did hold their shape – in Nines it is easy to get confused and just want to grab the ball – but they stuck to it and it worked in our favour.

“Camaraderie is always a big thing when you travel away to play and have to all stay together, and that was important for us coming down to this tournament during the pre-season.

“It has been a fantastic tournament – Whitianga is a lovely destination to play in – and I am a big supporter of it. At this point in our pre-season it has been a big part of our preparation.

“Now we are looking forward to April and kicking off the Appliance Shed Fox Memorial.”

The Sea Eagles collected $1000 in prize money for winning the tournament, while fullback Peter Oliveti also won himself the use of a Nissan X-Trail for the weekend as Tournament MVP, courtesy of Giltrap Nissan.

ARL sponsorship and events manager Troy Hardy said the tournament was played in great spirit, and expected it would grow significantly in coming years.

“This is the start of something special and from the feedback received we believe the tournament can only grow from here,” he said.

“The players, team staff and fans all enjoyed themselves, and Whitianga proved an ideal venue for a great mix of footy and fun.

“Special thanks must go to the sponsors Sportsafe, and to Nissan Giltrap for providing the use of a brand new car for the Player of the Tournament.”

Meanwhile in the second-tier plate division the Otara Scorpions showed just why they will be back in the first division this year, taking out the title after beating New Lynn 14-12.

After missing out on qualifying for the championship round on points difference, Otara clearly arrived on day 2 with a point to prove, going undefeated on their way to the title.

Leilua Lafele got the southerners off to a great start when he accelerated through a gap on two minutes, before Peti Taufao doubled the lead a short time later.

A try to Semisi Havili, which was converted by Jason Sagatele, gave the Scorpions a 14-0 lead at the break.

They may have been completely dominated in the first period, but it didn’t appear to faze the Stags as they stormed back with consecutive tries to Jesse Maio and Piri Keenan.

The sharp boot of Jamon Peua meant the gap had suddenly been reduced to 14-12.

But in the end the strong Scorpions pack did just enough to hold on for victory, with coach Saulo Suamasi pleased to see his side tested against Fox Memorial opponents early in the season.

“It’s very pleasing, we came down here with the attitude of winning and not just making up the numbers,” he said.

“Testing ourselves against the likes of Northcote, Howick and Papakura was exactly why we came down to the tournament.

“We have a responsibility now that we are in the Fox to show ourselves out of Auckland as well.

“We thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to even more teams coming down next year.”

Championship final

Papakura 20 (Shawn Stewart, Roman Hifo, James Bell, Francis Toetu tries; Nicholas Worthington x1, Mikaere Beattie x1 goals) BEAT Howick 10 (Luke Armiger, Jess Keven tries; Tony Tuia x1 goals). HT 16-0

Plate final

Otara 14 (Leilua Lafele, Peti Taufao, Semisi Havili tries; Jason Sagatele x1 goals) BEAT New Lynn 12 (Jesse Maio, Piri Keenan tries; Jamon Peua x2 goals). HT 14-0.

Full results and scorers here

How the draw worked here

ENDS

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