TRANS TASMAN GAME SUMMARY
HKA OFFENCE ON THE ATTACK
The game was played on artificial turf at 4.30 pm in front of a crowd nearing 2000 at Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre on the Gold Coast.
1ST QUARTER
After a relatively slow start from the OUTBACK defense,the HAKA offence drove some 60 yards pounding down the field with first year QB Niko Tominiko in control, and were stopped only after a fumble on the ten yard line.
The Australian team started to get their game heads on, and drove to approximately the 50 yard line, where veteran QB Mark Yaeger passed to Wide Receiver for the first score with a nice fake despite double coverage by the HAKA. The OUTBACK kicker snuck the extra point giving Australia a 7-0 lead.
2ND QUARTER
The second quarter saw some great defence from both teams with the only score coming from a field goal, giving the Australians a 10-0 lead at the half. HAKA Defensive Ends Tui Fakaua and Jason Vaka having a punishing effect on the OUTBACK offense. Three times the OUTBACK runner was hit in the second quarter losing the ball. Danny Tixier and Pat Tauta giving the OUTBACK Offensive alot of trouble.
The New Zealand team would not take this game lying down,and though starting to tire they would come out stronger and harder in the second half. It was up to each team if they wanted to win or not.
3RD QUARTER
In the third quarter the players from both teams responded with some very aggressive offensive drives and solid defence. The OUTBACK defence held strong, with the New Zealanders brining in COLTS QB Joseph Toilolo to go to the passing game with great passes to recivers Tama Kingston and Ricky Penu. The HAKA Offence only giving up one penalty in the whole game and dominating the defensive line things just werent clicking up the holes.
HAKA were at the Australian 5 yard line after pouding up the field again, but missed out when they fumbled the ball, and Australia recovered to drive to the New Zealand 35 yard line. This resulted in the next score which was a run from OUTBACK Running Back to score a 35 yard touchdown, making the score 16-0 going into the final quarter.
4TH QUARTER
The HAKA did not give up, and there were some bruising hits being laid on the Australians in the final quarter. OUTBACK QB Mark Yaeger responded with another pin point accurate pass to Wide Receiver which resulted in the second touchdown catch of the night giving the Outback a 22-0 lead. The Australians false started on the PAT which resulted in them being marched back 5 yards, and then having to convert the TD from the 8 yard line. Opting to try for two points rather then the single extra point, the Australians scored a two point conversion, giving the team what was to become the final score of 24-0.
Following the game, both teams got together for a formal dinner, hosted by International Sports Specialists at the Beachcomber Novatel Hotel where the players heard star NFL player Arman Green from the Green Bay Packers speak, and then be presented with their respective runners up medallions and then the Australians were presented with the inaugural Trans-Tasman trophy and gold medallions for their victory.
Most Valuable Players from both teams were OUTBACK Quarterback Mark Yaeger receiving the Australian MVP award and New Zealand HAKA MVP,Defensive End Jason Vaka for his outstanding effort and pressure on the OUTBACK Offence.
DEFENCE ON THE OUTBACK GOALINE
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Tuesday, July 17
NZ HAKA COLTS BATTLE HARD
The New Zealand HAKA COLTS battled hard against the Kentucky ALL STARS but went down 18-0 at full time to the more experienced US side.. Our NZ HAKA Colts were up against boys that had been playing football most of there lives, and we were delighted to hold them out to only 18 points.
There other game was against the Arizona ALL STARS. This time the COLTS had a game up there sleevs and were more confident agaisnt there US opponents. In the third quarter the HAKA struck with an exceptional pass by QB Joseph Toilolo to receiver Bradly Hilss, who rugby fended off a defender to run in for a thirty yard touch down. This took the score to 8-6 to Arizona. The HAKA Colts defense fought on and despite injuries managed to keep Arizona to 14-6.
NZAFA President Leroy Sisnett who was present at the game said "this is a good sign for the future and growth of American Football in New Zealand and a credit to the U18 programme run at home over the past 6 years. This is the first ever American Football COLTS team to travel outside of New Zealand and to play US teams. We have come of age".
Friday, July 13
GIANTS WIN - FIRST NZ TEAM AT DOWNUNDER BOWL
GIANTS TAKE ON KENTUCKY
GIANTS VS KENTUCKY
July 2nd 2001
Today the Giants made history by downing the Kentucky allstar team 34-3. The first non american team to do so in the competition. In a display of what can only be decribed as O for Awesome the Porirua team showed courage and commitment in both Offensive and Defensive teams.
GIANTS VS COLORADO NORTHGIANTS VS COLORADO NORTH
30th June, 2001
Just to let the folks at home know how the Giants are doing at the Down Under Bowl. The team took on Colorado North, from the USA. Colorado Nth received the ball first, and drove the Giants down field to lead the scoring 6-0. The Porirua team replied with a Jason Holtham pass to Hemi for a 45 yard touchdown. Two point conversion followed giving the Porirua team a 8-6 lead in the first quarter. Both defences fought it out in the second quarter. Colorado Nth leading at half time, 13-8. The Giants showed flair with combining their rugby skills and confusing the Colorado defence. With running backs TJ Taotua and Eli Madar reeking havoc on the Colorado team. Colorado though scored again in the third quarter, moving the scores to 19-8. Good defence by Hemi caused a fumble recovery and the offensive team scored through a Eli Madar run. Two point conversion followed with three minutes to go and the score at 16-19 to the Colorado team. The Porirua boys ran out of gas and the Colorado team scored again. The final score of the game was 27-16 to Colorado Nth. Good effort boyz!!
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