The Warriors played the Knights at Mt Smart on Friday night and female fans were treated to 'Ladies Night' as part of the NRLs 'Women in League'. It was a cold rainy night at Mt Smart but the Warriors held a team to nil at home for the second game in a row, downing the Knights 13-0. There were some notable performances, in particular Kevin Locke who ran 70m to score the final try of the match. Lance Hohia did well wearing number 6 using his head and his boot to land a drop goal, ensuring that even if the Knights were to cross that we would be more than a converted try ahead. Unfortunately it looks like Wade McKinnon is still missing his spark, there is no sign of the side step we have witnessed in the past or the electric pace that made him a fan favourite and a try scoring machine. In my opinion Stacey Jones has been a waste of valuable salary cap money.
In my fantasy league on nrl.com I'm now ranked 514 out of just over 69, 000. I've also been managing my school, the Alfriston College 1st XIII who have done incredibly well in their first year in the competition. Last week the boys defeated Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 22-20, the win put them into the 1/4 finals where they will play St Pauls. Last weeks game was played on the Mt Smart no.2 as part of 'Warrior Wednesday', prior to the game the team was taken on a tour of the Warriors gym, changing rooms and received a chat from under 20s coach Tony Iro.
So go the Warriors - fingers crossed they come out of this bye a little better than the last and go AC!!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Shark Attack
The Warriors lost 18-10 to the bottom of the table Sharks in Cronulla. This was only the third win of the season for the Sharks who have been troubled on and off the field in 09. The Warriors hunt for a top 8 spot doesn't get any easier facing the on form Newcastle Knights at home. The current top 8 are fast seperating themselves from the rest of the pack with a 3 point gap between 8 and 9.
Kevin Locke was again impressive in his second NRL game and Steve Price backed up well after a tough Origin match mid week.
The Warriors once again failed to score within the first 20mins for something like the sixth game in a row! The kicking game looked to have improved with Stacey Jones placing the perfect kick to allow Manu Vatuvei to score in the corner, but apart from that it was lack luster. Something really needs to be done about the halves and fast!
Fingers crossed for a much improved performance at home on Friday night.
Kevin Locke was again impressive in his second NRL game and Steve Price backed up well after a tough Origin match mid week.
The Warriors once again failed to score within the first 20mins for something like the sixth game in a row! The kicking game looked to have improved with Stacey Jones placing the perfect kick to allow Manu Vatuvei to score in the corner, but apart from that it was lack luster. Something really needs to be done about the halves and fast!
Fingers crossed for a much improved performance at home on Friday night.
Monday, June 1, 2009
LOCKED & Loaded!
Kevin Locke made a wonderful debut for the Warriors on Sunday scoring 2 tries in the 14-0 win over the Tigers. The game saw both teams make a lot of errors and there were more than a few unnecessary turn overs but the Warriors defence was desperately solid and for the first time in two and a half years they managed to keep a team to nil. Michael Luck did a good job filling in as captain for Price who was away on Origin duty. Simon Mannering and Lance Hohia put in solid performances but the kicking game was still pretty poor. The win was the Warriors first since round 7 (they drew against Melbourne 14 all in round 7). Fingers crossed the form follows them over the Tasman for this weekends clash against the Sharks.
The form leading up to this game has been much less than what the pre-season hype promised! After the draw against Melbourne there was a hard fought loss 11-12 loss to St George followed by the round 9 bye, a 34-12 thrashing from the Cowboys at home and a 38-12 loss to the Raiders away.
In other league news I'm managing the first XIII for the school I teach at, the boys are great and put in a fantastic performance last week. Fingers crossed for a win this week :-) Also in fantasy league I'm now ranked 540 out of over 65,000 participants.
I will try not to leave it so long until my next update but with the depressing losses winter flu and piles of marking I couldn't find the time to get to this.
The form leading up to this game has been much less than what the pre-season hype promised! After the draw against Melbourne there was a hard fought loss 11-12 loss to St George followed by the round 9 bye, a 34-12 thrashing from the Cowboys at home and a 38-12 loss to the Raiders away.
In other league news I'm managing the first XIII for the school I teach at, the boys are great and put in a fantastic performance last week. Fingers crossed for a win this week :-) Also in fantasy league I'm now ranked 540 out of over 65,000 participants.
I will try not to leave it so long until my next update but with the depressing losses winter flu and piles of marking I couldn't find the time to get to this.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Game of 2 Halves
Over the last 2 weeks the Warriors have made reasonably poor starts to their games - BUT have come back strongly in the second halves to take both their round 6 clash with the Roosters and tonight's game against the Storm to golden point.
Stacey Jones was a hero at Mt Smart nailing his attempt at drop goal in extra time to secure the 2 competition points, but he was the villain in Melbourne missing an attempt at drop goal from right in front and 15m out and then in the dying seconds when Lance Hohia (who returned a week early from injury to face the Roosters and to replace a now injured Wade McKinnon in the fullback role) was set to nail a drop goal if only Stacey could collect the ball and pass but he knocked it on!
After having 15 minutes to calm down and reflect on the events of tonight's game I am happy to take away the single point and a whole heap of confidence about our record on the road so far this year, as we have the challenge next weekend of playing an on fire STGI side away - who kept the Roosters to zip at SFS,
Michael Luck was a machine making a whopping 72 tackles against Melbourne and Steve Price continued to make metres with a massive 189m gained. What's even better is that I own both of them as part of my "dream team" on nrl.com! Speaking of my dream team I'm now winning my league on points scored and am ranked 963 out of 62,692 - not bad :-)
Stacey Jones was a hero at Mt Smart nailing his attempt at drop goal in extra time to secure the 2 competition points, but he was the villain in Melbourne missing an attempt at drop goal from right in front and 15m out and then in the dying seconds when Lance Hohia (who returned a week early from injury to face the Roosters and to replace a now injured Wade McKinnon in the fullback role) was set to nail a drop goal if only Stacey could collect the ball and pass but he knocked it on!
After having 15 minutes to calm down and reflect on the events of tonight's game I am happy to take away the single point and a whole heap of confidence about our record on the road so far this year, as we have the challenge next weekend of playing an on fire STGI side away - who kept the Roosters to zip at SFS,
Michael Luck was a machine making a whopping 72 tackles against Melbourne and Steve Price continued to make metres with a massive 189m gained. What's even better is that I own both of them as part of my "dream team" on nrl.com! Speaking of my dream team I'm now winning my league on points scored and am ranked 963 out of 62,692 - not bad :-)
Monday, April 13, 2009
No Easter Miracle!
The Warriors suffered their third defeat in a row against the Knights at Newcastle on Sunday. In the end they came close, going down 24-22 - a missed conversion from Denan Kemp made all the difference. The kicking game was again poor and we looked weak in the halves. I still have my fingers crossed for the return of utility Lance Hohia and the leadership of Price.
On a slightly happier note my fantasy league team on nrl.com is going well and the improvements made to the website have made competing even better this year. Fantasy league allows you to pick your dream team using an NRL salary cap. It's not to late to register and give it a go if you want to join in the fun :-)
The Under 20s also went down to the Knights 22-16! Bring on the Roosters game this coming Sunday and the battle of 9 vs 10 of the table.
On a slightly happier note my fantasy league team on nrl.com is going well and the improvements made to the website have made competing even better this year. Fantasy league allows you to pick your dream team using an NRL salary cap. It's not to late to register and give it a go if you want to join in the fun :-)
The Under 20s also went down to the Knights 22-16! Bring on the Roosters game this coming Sunday and the battle of 9 vs 10 of the table.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Technical Victory?
The Warriors won their clash against the Rabbitohs on paper but it did not translate to the scoreboard where it really counts! The under strength Warriors started well and at one point lead the Bunnies 12-0. In the end the boys couldn't hold out and were defeated 22-16. It was disappointing because it really felt like we had played well - and looking at the stats it was a technical victory but that doesn't help us climb the points ladder and at present we are sitting just outside the 8 at 9th.
Sunday wasn't all heartache although the Sonny Fai tribute certainly pulled on the heartstrings! It was nice to see the brightly coloured lei's around Mt Smart in honour of the lost Warrior, those near and dear to him dressed in yellow release balloons of the same colour in his memory as the team made their way on to the field and instead of the usual one minute of silence the crowd was asked to be upstanding and give a round of applause for Sonny and the game he loved. The under 20's squad had a strong victory over the Junior Rabbitohs 42-32, but unfortunately lost captain Kevin Locke in the second half to injury.
Fans rejoiced on Sunday over Wade McKinnon's return to form, it was nice to see a little of the spark we have come to expect show up on game day and to have someone running on to the ball. Also worth of note was the fact Nathan Fien also played his 100th game for the club off the bench.
I have my fingers crossed for a good win away to Newcastle this weekend but history is on the Knights side, we have played 22, Knights 13, Warriors 8, Drawn 1 and away to the Knights we have played 10, Knights 6, Warriors 4. I also understand that the Knights game may see the return of giant winger Manu Vatuvei which will boost the side.
Sunday wasn't all heartache although the Sonny Fai tribute certainly pulled on the heartstrings! It was nice to see the brightly coloured lei's around Mt Smart in honour of the lost Warrior, those near and dear to him dressed in yellow release balloons of the same colour in his memory as the team made their way on to the field and instead of the usual one minute of silence the crowd was asked to be upstanding and give a round of applause for Sonny and the game he loved. The under 20's squad had a strong victory over the Junior Rabbitohs 42-32, but unfortunately lost captain Kevin Locke in the second half to injury.
Fans rejoiced on Sunday over Wade McKinnon's return to form, it was nice to see a little of the spark we have come to expect show up on game day and to have someone running on to the ball. Also worth of note was the fact Nathan Fien also played his 100th game for the club off the bench.
I have my fingers crossed for a good win away to Newcastle this weekend but history is on the Knights side, we have played 22, Knights 13, Warriors 8, Drawn 1 and away to the Knights we have played 10, Knights 6, Warriors 4. I also understand that the Knights game may see the return of giant winger Manu Vatuvei which will boost the side.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Poor Pricey!
Steve Price has been ruled out of Sunday's clash against an in form Rabbitohs side. With this sad news the team will need to band together and shake off last weeks disappointing loss against the Broncos if they are to get up against the Bunnies (after losing both games to them in 2008).
Price joins fellow team mates Brent Tate (knee), wing Manu Vatuvei (knee), utility Lance Hohaia (knee) and second rower Ben Matulino (ankle) plus props Leeson Ah Mau (shoulder), Mataupu Poching (ankle) and Evarn Tuimavave (neck) on the injury list.
Fingers crossed Pricey and the other boys make fast recoveries! One bit of positive news is that the 'Little General' Stacey Jones will make his first start in the familiar No.7 jersey since 2005.
Price joins fellow team mates Brent Tate (knee), wing Manu Vatuvei (knee), utility Lance Hohaia (knee) and second rower Ben Matulino (ankle) plus props Leeson Ah Mau (shoulder), Mataupu Poching (ankle) and Evarn Tuimavave (neck) on the injury list.
Fingers crossed Pricey and the other boys make fast recoveries! One bit of positive news is that the 'Little General' Stacey Jones will make his first start in the familiar No.7 jersey since 2005.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Woeful Warriors go down to the Broncos!
The Warriors suffered their first defeat of the 2009 season at the hands of the Brisbane Broncos, going down 26-10. The loss was a double blow for the club as it looks like star centre and solid defender Brent Tate will be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The Warriors were simply out played by a better Broncos side on the night. Watching the game live at Mt Smart Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon looked flat! In my humble opinion I don't believe he has been the same since returning from injury late last season and he doesn't seemed to have "clicked" with new comer Denan Kemp who also turned in a poor performance. As for Nathan Fien don't get me started - I have my fingers crossed for a fast recovery from Lance Hohia, it would be great to see him back in the starting line up after the stellar performances he consistantly churned out last year.
As per usual solid performances were turned out by Mannering, Luck, Price and Henderson who displayed passion and determination right until the final whistle.
Okay - there were a few dodgy calls and the "pink bats" at times acted as Brisbane's 14th and 15th men. I mean were their eyes painted on? 10 metres isn't that hard to work out, for God's sake the lines are painted there for a reason!
Big ups to the Junior Warriors who got their first win of the season in the Toyota Cup beating the baby Broncos 24-16.
I will be back at Mt smart with the rest of the loyal next Sunday to support the boys against South Sydney hoping to see some of the passion that was displayed in the Canberra/Paramatta game also played last night.
If it's a matter of faith, I have a truck load, but sadly it's a matter of turning up and being the better side for 80 minutes! I hope that I don't have to witness another lack lustre performance like that in 2009, after all we are tipped to make the final!
The Warriors were simply out played by a better Broncos side on the night. Watching the game live at Mt Smart Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon looked flat! In my humble opinion I don't believe he has been the same since returning from injury late last season and he doesn't seemed to have "clicked" with new comer Denan Kemp who also turned in a poor performance. As for Nathan Fien don't get me started - I have my fingers crossed for a fast recovery from Lance Hohia, it would be great to see him back in the starting line up after the stellar performances he consistantly churned out last year.
As per usual solid performances were turned out by Mannering, Luck, Price and Henderson who displayed passion and determination right until the final whistle.
Okay - there were a few dodgy calls and the "pink bats" at times acted as Brisbane's 14th and 15th men. I mean were their eyes painted on? 10 metres isn't that hard to work out, for God's sake the lines are painted there for a reason!
Big ups to the Junior Warriors who got their first win of the season in the Toyota Cup beating the baby Broncos 24-16.
I will be back at Mt smart with the rest of the loyal next Sunday to support the boys against South Sydney hoping to see some of the passion that was displayed in the Canberra/Paramatta game also played last night.
If it's a matter of faith, I have a truck load, but sadly it's a matter of turning up and being the better side for 80 minutes! I hope that I don't have to witness another lack lustre performance like that in 2009, after all we are tipped to make the final!
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