Northcote U19’s vs Waitemata Black Harvey Wright 29^th April 2017

It had been raining on and off throughout the morning but thankfully the skies cleared for the game leaving a muggy day with a slight nor east breeze and a great playing surface at Harvey Wright number 2.

Sam, Detlef, Isaac and Ethan were back and Cote was able to field a full ‘sheet’ although TJ and Ngatai would not be joining the bench until later in the day.

Waitemata were a big team right across the field and were obviously a well drilled team made up mostly of boys from Liston College and Kelston although a large percentage of the team had played in this competition in 2016.

Cote were defending the Pit and received the kick off gaining a scrum after a Waita knock on – Cote showed their desire to run by using the ball immediately and Waita came up to meet them - both teams ran and hit ‘hard and strong’ taking each other on resulting in some mighty clashes. Cote moved the ball and attacked out wide and Vinnie took the ball from the back of the ruck and drove for the Waita line but unfortunately the defence came in swarms and Vinnie was bundled out short. Waita won the lineout and drove the ball out of their 22 but Lopini stood strong at the tackle and managed to steal the breakdown ball – Waita had left their feet at the breakdown and Cooper put the penalty over to give Cote the early lead after 10 minutes – 3- 0.

Waita kicked long and Cote defended the red zone – for the next 12 minutes – Waita tried to drive the ball from the lineout but Sam, James and Tom and the boys were on to them denying them any ground. Cote stole the ball and Cooper kicked the line. Waita tried again and again but the forwards had their match in the set phases getting lower than the big Waita forwards and stymying their attacks. They tried going wide but the backs took them down and after bundling Waita out after another attack won the lineout and Cote tried to run the ball from behind their own line – unfortunately the ball was spilled between the posts and this time Waita were able to win the scrum and cross the line. After 22 minutes the game was a tight one and Waita were up 3-5.

Cote kicked long and applied pressure to Waita in their 22 and of course the indiscretion came – unfortunately Cote were fired up and instead of taking the points a quick tap was taken and spilled and Waita were able to clear their line from the scrum. Waita stole the lineout and put their big backs away – running hard and strong they went 70 metres and score a very good try taking the score out to 3- 12.

Waita and Cote were sharing the spoils and both teams continued to attack each other but Waita could not gain ascendency from the set phases and Cote were starting to find themselves a man or two short at the breakdowns as fitness started to show. Cote won a lineout, and moved the ball with Hemi cutting through and going for the posts – when he was cut down short the backs tried to own the break down but the big Waita boys were able to blow them off, steal the ball and go 80 metres to score out wide. 3 – 19, but Cote were in this just the size and numbers were giving Waita the advantage in the second phase play – one more try came just before half time – again a stolen ball and support running saw Waita score under the posts and convert.

It was half time and the score was 3 – 26.

Both teams were tiring after a full-on first half – stay low, put them down, use the breeze and play the game in their half were the halftime break directions.

The second half was dominated by Waita and the bench – each boy they brought on was bigger than the last and this was a well drilled and experienced team who played excellent open rugby and they used their size and ability to their advantage.

Cote had many opportunities in the Waita red zone where they could have taken the points but instead they sportingly went to the lineout and scrum  - unfortunately Cote did cross the line but the ref was unsighted - Waita were committed to keeping Cote from scoring and as much as Cote tried doggedly to get the points they Waita were able to keep them out.

The final score was 3 – 64 but not a fair indication of the game. Proud of the Cote boys that never gave up and never dropped their heads – fitness and tackling are a definite work on and this would have closed the gap if some of our bigger boys could have gone a little longer.

It was great to see Fred and James getting more settled at this level and the team continues to grow in ability and confidence and we look forward to playing Suburbs at Fearon Park at 1pm next week.

See you there. L.T.C.

Half time:            3 – 26

Full time:             3 – 64

Penalty:               Cooper

Player of the Day: Cooper

Eden Under 20’s vs Northcote U19’s at Gribblehurst Park 22^nd April 2017

A beautiful day at a lovely ground just down from Eden Park greeted the 16 Cote boys that were able to get across the bridge for kick off against Eden. Luckily 3 more were able to find the grounds after the whistle to bring the team numbers to 19.

Browns Cows was an analogy used to describe the Cote players attention span and unmotivated warm-up and it came back to haunt them right from the first touch of the ball. Eden had turned up on fire ready to get payback for the drubbing they had received from Marist the previous week.

Before you could blink Cote were standing behind the posts again – only 10 minutes had past and Cote were down 15-0! Finally the boys switched on and started to get themselves in the game – using some turnover ball cote spun it wide and Hemi broke into the Eden halve where the forwards hit the ruck and gave the backs some more useable ball – Cote probed for 5 minutes but could not cross the line – just lacking some dominance at the break down and arriving in ones and twos instead of on mass. However the half time score of 21-0 showed that they were able to compete and without the lazy start they would have been right in the game.

Get to the break down and get beyond the ball, make your tackles and get the comms up were the half time words to focus the team.

For the first 20 minutes of the second half Cote defended and defended well denying Eden any further points - but the players were tiring and without a bench to pull from Eden were punching through and their tails were certainly up. When Cote had the ball they gained territory from the boot of Cooper and still looked to use the ball but it took until the last five minutes for Cote to blow through the defence using the ‘Vinnie’ ram and Cooper converted.

The final score was 40 – 7.

Unfortunately Eden were running multiple and extra subs throughout the game and this has been raised at the ARFU level – thanks to Michaela for the 1200 photos that we were able to use to show a number of indiscretions from Eden – the outcome will be interesting and will keep you updated.

Cote showed that they can mix it with the big boys – they just have to ensure they start the game organised and stick to the systems that the coaches are trying to put in place – a full bench is also a priority!

There were some great individual efforts and hopefully as the season progresses we can start building ‘team’ attacks and the results will come. Hemi was dangerous on attack and determined on defence until he had to leave the field injured and much deserved the Player of the Day award.

Next week – Waitemata Black at Cote – this team beat Silverdale 94 – 5 so a real test for the Cote coming up.

Half time:            21-0

Full time:             40 – 7

Tries:     Vinnie

Conversions:      Cooper

Player of the Day:             Hemi (Miguel)

Northcote U19’s vs Waitakere Broncos U20’s at Waitakere Trust Stadium 15^th April 2017

The first trip across the bridge for a Northcote team since 1985 when Harbour became its own rugby union – sad to see the demise of under grade rugby across the Harbour union but that’s another story……

The boys were playing on the Stadium main ground and it was looking in immaculate condition – shame the same could not be said about the weather as it vacillated between sunshine and rain – just as the teams kicked off! The wind was swirling in the stadium and really gave no advantage to either team.  Waitakere had some big boys -  at least 4 that were bigger than any players in the Cote premiers – the task for the day was to make your tackles, put them down and control the pace of the game by keeping hold of the ball.

From the start Cote was under pressure – Waitakere kept sending the big boys in to the maroon and gold line but Cote stayed staunch, making tackles and repelling their attacks – the contact was brutal and both sides were trying to establish control – unfortunately Lopini was deemed to not have used his arms in one encounter and was shown the yellow – 10 minutes in the bin and Cote down to 14 - Waitakere played the line and won the lineout. They attacked for the next 10 minutes and each time they got close Cote was able to pull them down and gain a turn over but Cote could not clear their 22 with everyone trying to kick the ball instead of sticking to their roles – however, eventually Waitakere gave up trying to penetrate the determined Cote defence and took a penalty shot at goal – putting the first points on the board after 15 minutes – 0 – 3.

From the kick off Cote tried to clear their half but the ball went straight to the fullback who brought it back – Cote stole the ball at the ruck and again tried to clear but the kick lacked direction and distance and again Waitakere used their big units to pump it up – Cote were all over them in two and three man tackles making them work for every metre and were able to steal the ball and finally Cooper was able to punch it into the Waitakere half – 25 minutes gone and the first foray into the opposition territory. From the lineout Cote moved it through the backs and Ethan broke through and offloaded to Quinn who was brought down just short  - in trying to free the ball it was lost forward and Waitakere had a chance from the scrum to clear the line – however Phoenix caught the kick and put up a great centre kick – fortunately for Waitakere  not Cote as the maroon and whites regained the ball and drove Cote back into their own half again – Cote scrambled and were able to regain the ball when Waitakere played the ball illegally at the breakdown – a quick tap was taken and Cote went for the corner but Waitakere covered well, stole the ball and cleared again. By now Cote had realised that they were able to handle the Waitakere one out game and got fixated on playing their own rugby – the forwards won the lineout and punched through the Waitakere line with Karen screaming support from the opposition sideline – after a series of piggies and controlling rucks Vinni broke free and blew through 3 tackles to score a great forward try in the corner - 5 to 3 and that was halftime.

We understand their game now – keep making your tackles and move the ball – stop kicking it, hold the ball and wait for your support were the half time words of wisdom.

Cote kicked long and Waitakere brought it back with a renewed fire – they had rolled subs and there were many questions raised about the number used but in this grade it appears teams keep trying to find new ways to circumvent the rules, however, Cote missed some first up tackles and Waitakere broke through and outpaced the defence scoring under the posts and converting – the lead was gone and the score was now 5 – 10.

Cote kicked long again but put on a good chase and the game was played up and down the field with both teams failing to get ascendency – the Waitakere backs were well offside and getting away with it adding extra pressure to the backs who were trying to move the ball and get it wide. After the Cote backs were caught in possession and Waitakere piled through they tried to attack down the wing but Phoenix gathered the last pass and turned and run 60 metres to score drawing the game even again at 10 – 10. Cote was starting to win some good set phase ball including a great two great tight heads - one where they pushed the big Waitakere pack off the ball – and the other just a great strike - Cote attacked down the blind and moved the ball through the hands where Malcolm ended up breaking the last tackle and crossing the line which Cooper converted – 17 – 10 and looking good.

From the kick off Waitakere made good ground and eventually go another converted try – 17-17 and only 5 minutes left.

Cote kicked long and applied the pressure – when they cleared Cote ran it back and continued to try and move the ball – at the breakdown Keanu stole the ball and Cooper ran the blind, passed to Hemi and then Ethan who chipped the ball in behind the cover and it was taken to touch by Waitakere. From the lineout Cote drove it up and Waitakere infringed. Cote set up the penalty play and Sam punched towards the post and then Isaac – making ground and setting up more good ball – thankfully Waitakere could not help themselves and they transgressed at the breakdown – penalty right in front – no brainer – Cooper kicked the penalty and Cote had the lead 20 -17.

All Cote had to do was apply pressure from the breakdown and get their hands on the ball – it took a couple of minutes but as soon as they did Tui kicked it out and the game was won!!

This was a real taste of what was to come – the forwards played a huge role in the winning of the game and never gave up on defence all day – they were battered and bruised and all deserved praise - the bench did its role superbly and without Keanu’s steals at the end of the game Cote would not have been in a position to take the win – However the big yards had been done early on and the player of the day went to Detleif for his tireless defence and support on attack.

The backs worked hard to use the limited ball they had and also had to do their fair share of defence and they never shirked the work – huge heart shown by the whole team and a much deserved win was gained.

This is just the start of the journey and the team needs to get fit and learn to hold the ball – apparently there are bigger and better teams to come but this Cote Crew are already showing huge heart and I know they are looking forward to the challenge.

We still need more players – particularly backs – so spread the word.

Many thanks to all the supporters that made the trip and the noise from the stands was much appreciated and definitely heard by the boys.

Next week is Eden at Fearon Park (off Dominion Road) at 1pm – see you there – L.T.C.

Half time: 5 – 3. Full time: 20 -17.

Tries: Vinni, Phoenix, Malcolm

Conversion: Cooper (1)

Penalty: Cooper (1)

Player of the Day: Detlief Hadfield

Northcote U19’s vs Waitakere Broncos U20’s at Waitakere Trust Stadium 15th April 2017

The first trip across the bridge for a Northcote team since 1985 when Harbour became its own rugby union – sad to see the demise of under grade rugby across the Harbour union but that’s another story……

The boys were playing on the Stadium main ground and it was looking in immaculate condition – shame the same could not be said about the weather as it vacillated between sunshine and rain – just as the teams kicked off! The wind was swirling in the stadium and really gave no advantage to either team.  Waitakere had some big boys -  at least 4 that were bigger than any players in the Cote premiers – the task for the day was to make your tackles, put them down and control the pace of the game by keeping hold of the ball.

From the start Cote was under pressure – Waitakere kept sending the big boys in to the maroon and gold line but Cote stayed staunch, making tackles and repelling their attacks – the contact was brutal and both sides were trying to establish control – unfortunately Lopini was deemed to not have used his arms in one encounter and was shown the yellow – 10 minutes in the bin and Cote down to 14 - Waitakere played the line and won the lineout. They attacked for the next 10 minutes and each time they got close Cote was able to pull them down and gain a turn over but Cote could not clear their 22 with everyone trying to kick the ball instead of sticking to their roles – however, eventually Waitakere gave up trying to penetrate the determined Cote defence and took a penalty shot at goal – putting the first points on the board after 15 minutes – 0 – 3.

From the kick off Cote tried to clear their half but the ball went straight to the fullback who brought it back – Cote stole the ball at the ruck and again tried to clear but the kick lacked direction and distance and again Waitakere used their big units to pump it up – Cote were all over them in two and three man tackles making them work for every metre and were able to steal the ball and finally Cooper was able to punch it into the Waitakere half – 25 minutes gone and the first foray into the opposition territory. From the lineout Cote moved it through the backs and Ethan broke through and offloaded to Quinn who was brought down just short  - in trying to free the ball it was lost forward and Waitakere had a chance from the scrum to clear the line – however Phoenix caught the kick and put up a great centre kick – fortunately for Waitakere  not Cote as the maroon and whites regained the ball and drove Cote back into their own half again – Cote scrambled and were able to regain the ball when Waitakere played the ball illegally at the breakdown – a quick tap was taken and Cote went for the corner but Waitakere covered well, stole the ball and cleared again. By now Cote had realised that they were able to handle the Waitakere one out game and got fixated on playing their own rugby – the forwards won the lineout and punched through the Waitakere line with Karen screaming support from the opposition sideline – after a series of piggies and controlling rucks Vinni broke free and blew through 3 tackles to score a great forward try in the corner - 5 to 3 and that was halftime.

We understand their game now – keep making your tackles and move the ball – stop kicking it, hold the ball and wait for your support were the half time words of wisdom.

Cote kicked long and Waitakere brought it back with a renewed fire – they had rolled subs and there were many questions raised about the number used but in this grade it appears teams keep trying to find new ways to circumvent the rules, however, Cote missed some first up tackles and Waitakere broke through and outpaced the defence scoring under the posts and converting – the lead was gone and the score was now 5 – 10.

Cote kicked long again but put on a good chase and the game was played up and down the field with both teams failing to get ascendency – the Waitakere backs were well offside and getting away with it adding extra pressure to the backs who were trying to move the ball and get it wide. After the Cote backs were caught in possession and Waitakere piled through they tried to attack down the wing but Phoenix gathered the last pass and turned and run 60 metres to score drawing the game even again at 10 – 10. Cote was starting to win some good set phase ball including a great two great tight heads - one where they pushed the big Waitakere pack off the ball – and the other just a great strike - Cote attacked down the blind and moved the ball through the hands where Malcolm ended up breaking the last tackle and crossing the line which Cooper converted – 17 – 10 and looking good.

From the kick off Waitakere made good ground and eventually go another converted try – 17-17 and only 5 minutes left.

Cote kicked long and applied the pressure – when they cleared Cote ran it back and continued to try and move the ball – at the breakdown Keanu stole the ball and Cooper ran the blind, passed to Hemi and then Ethan who chipped the ball in behind the cover and it was taken to touch by Waitakere. From the lineout Cote drove it up and Waitakere infringed. Cote set up the penalty play and Sam punched towards the post and then Isaac – making ground and setting up more good ball – thankfully Waitakere could not help themselves and they transgressed at the breakdown – penalty right in front – no brainer – Cooper kicked the penalty and Cote had the lead 20 -17.

All Cote had to do was apply pressure from the breakdown and get their hands on the ball – it took a couple of minutes but as soon as they did Tui kicked it out and the game was won!!

This was a real taste of what was to come – the forwards played a huge role in the winning of the game and never gave up on defence all day – they were battered and bruised and all deserved praise - the bench did its role superbly and without Keanu’s steals at the end of the game Cote would not have been in a position to take the win – However the big yards had been done early on and the player of the day went to Detleif for his tireless defence and support on attack.

The backs worked hard to use the limited ball they had and also had to do their fair share of defence and they never shirked the work – huge heart shown by the whole team and a much deserved win was gained.

This is just the start of the journey and the team needs to get fit and learn to hold the ball – apparently there are bigger and better teams to come but this Cote Crew are already showing huge heart and I know they are looking forward to the challenge.

We still need more players – particularly backs – so spread the word.

Many thanks to all the supporters that made the trip and the noise from the stands was much appreciated and definitely heard by the boys.

Next week is Eden at Fearon Park (off Dominion Road) at 1pm – see you there – L.T.C.

Half time: 5 – 3. Full time: 20 -17.

Tries: Vinni, Phoenix, Malcolm

Conversion: Cooper (1)

Penalty: Cooper (1)

Player of the Day: Detlief Hadfield

MATCH REPORT - Northcote Under 20’s vs Silverdale at Harvey Wright # 2 8th April 2017

Cyclone Debbie had passed and Harvey Wright was looking a picture on a stunning Autumnal afternoon – a slight Souwest breeze and not a cloud in the sky. What a day for Cote to kick off a historical day – given the lack of 19’s teams in the North Harbour competition they were now playing in the Auckland Under 20 competition – a round robin of 16 games and first game up was against Silverdale – in a repeat of the 2016 final!!

Cote had put out the call for players and thankfully they responded – there is some real talent in this squad but it was to be the first game of the year for many – yes that is right – many had not even had a preseason game and some not even training. It was time for Westlake/BC /Northcote/Rosmini  boys to take off the High School glasses and join the Big League of premier rugby. Communication was to be the Key and sticking to the basics – own the ball and make your tackles.

Right from the kick off you could see the pent up energy from both teams and no quarter was asked or given with some tackles causing the sideline to wince but with the energy and enthusiasm of youth they bounced back and played on. Both teams moved the ball but Dale were proving to be better at blowing the breakdown and retaining the tackled ball and Cote had to do what all good Cote teams do – they scrambled, made their tackles and committed to what was in front of them – Dale attacked for the first 10 minutes, winning lineouts and breakdowns but they could not find a way through. When Cooper cleared the Cote 22 with a great touch finder Cote finally moved into the Dale half – from the lineout Sam sacked the Dale halfback and the forwards piled through winning a turnover and when Vinni got hold of the ball Dale was in trouble – he went the last 15 metres bouncing off players and dragging Dale over the line to score the first points of the game – Cooper converted after 20 minutes it was 7 – 0.

Cote kicked off and the chase was lazy – Dale moved the ball, cut through some lack lustre defence and ran 50 metres to score – what the? – what just happened? – Dale were on the board and now it was 7 – 5.

Cote received the kick off and Lopini hit it up and Cote got some go forward – they moved the ball through the backs and Ethan made some good yards but once again at the breakdown Dale blew through and Cote had too many Ruck and Maul inspectors to retain the ball. Dale punched away and Cote went into defensive mode again until a reflex action saw Cooper binned and Dale took the 3 points – 7 – 8 and not a great score to see on the board as that was the final score in the 2016 final.

Halftime drinks could not have come soon enough for both sides as energy levels were low and subs were needed to be made.

Get over the man on the ground and put him on our side, move the ball through the hands and stop kicking away the little possession we do have were the half time words of wisdom.

Isaac and James made an immediate impact and Dale were now looking for Sam after his dominating tackles had them wary –Tui was owning the breakdown and giving some great ball to the backs – Lopini came alive and was gaining ground with every carry and Detleif was stealing ball and supporting well. Dale made the mistake of kicking away ball and Blair and Phoenix were punishing them with their return – Sepeti and Quinn were owning the midfield and taking down the hard running Dale backs and denying them field position. With some good second phase ball Cooper kicked through and recovered sending Phoenix and Blair away inter passing the ball but it was James that nailed a well-deserved try on the end of the enterprising play and Cooper converted taking the lead out to 14 – 8. From the kick off Cote punched up and Tom emerged with the ball and running like a wing three quarter the prop outpaced the Dale defence to score a 50 metre try in the corner. 19 – 8.

Dale was fading and if Cote could score again it was likely they would be out of the game. Cote was gaining dominance at the breakdown and using the ball well making yards that Dale could not defend against – they gave away a penalty in front and while they were making their 10 metres Sam tapped and ran but was pulled down short but when Lopini took the ball at pace the writing was on the wall. Cooper converted and Cote went out to 26 – 8. Players were falling all over the place with cramp and ‘one knock too many’ but Cote was not done – a great up and under saw the ball allowed to bounce and the backs grabbed the ball and moved it and Sepeti who was running a great support line picked up the last try of the game which Cooper converted – 33 – 8.

What a great first game and a well-deserved result for Cote – Next week they face the unknown - Waitakere Broncos at the Waitakere stadium on Saturday during Easter. We need to work on fitness and communication and a team song for the changing sheds – plenty to do but this squad appears keen and has the potential to develop into a very good team. We are a young crew and will be facing some opposition that is much older and more experienced but we look forward to the challenge and the experience that will be gained.

Half time: 7 – 8

Full time: 33 - 8

Tries to:  Vinni, Lopini,Tom, Sepeti and James.

Conversions: Cooper * 4

Player of the Day: Tui Saiale

Go well and thank you for your support. L.T.C.