Team:
Tania Nicholas, Curtis Rountree, Mikaere Manuao, Shneil Singh, Josh Reynolds, Ben Brady, Thomas Gordon, Thomas Williams,Daniel James, Dominic Clapcott, Liam Foley, Hutana Coffin, Asipeli Mafuataimi, Hone Karaka, Bryce McMullen.
Reserves:
Samisoni Taukeiaho, Alex Mitchell, Liam Fisher, Sam Warwick, Jack Foster, Luke Arnold.
The Northland Vikings kicked off on an overcast day at St Pauls in Hamilton. This is the first game the Harlequins have had on there home ground and the boys were ready.
They settled into there work very quick again this week, testing the Vikings deep in there 22 within the first few mintues. The Vikings were not about to let the Harlequins cross there line holding them out and making there way back to halfway. More pressure was applied by the Vikings before they got a penalty 25 meters out from the Harlequins post, and convert it.
The Harlequins go back to the game plan and attack down the right hand side. Bryce McMullen playing at fullback shows off some of his speed and runs a good line to just miss out in the corner. The Vikings hold the Harlequins out again and clear well. The Harlequins were caught off side. From the lineout the Vikings pack who were working hard set a ruck in midfield. The ball comes out clean to there first five who clears well up the line.
Play goes back and forward for the next few mintues before openside flanker Thomas Gordon makes a great break up the middle of the field, but gets caught and pulled down 10 out. The boys then knock the ball on and let the Vikings off the hook.
The Vikings clearing kick doesn't go out and the Harlequins make the most of it sending Hone Karaka down the right hand side of the field. He gets pulled down 2 out from the line. From the line out the Harlequins get there hands on the ball again and the forwards set up in midfield. Each time they have a go they are stopped by the Vikings until five minutes later they are rewarded 17 mintues into the first half when half back and man of the match Daniel James goes over for the first of the day. Dominic adds the extras and the Harlequins are up 7 points to 3.
The Vikings control play well after the kick off showing some good skills around the park before being given another penalty, this time 30 out from the Harlequins line. The Vikings get the kick and its now 7-6 to the Harlequins.
Control is whats needed up front and Captain Thomas Williams takes it upon himself to make this happen making his forward pack work hard around the ruck. This opens up gaps and Thomas adds another try to the afternoon as he smashes his way over. Dominic gets the conversion.
The Harlequins are now in the zone and the game plan is working. Three mintues later Dominic shows of some great foot work finding more holes in the Vikings defense and dotting down to make it number three for the day. He also gets the conversion, and the Harlequins go into the break 21 points to 6.
The coaches only make one replacment at half time. Sam Caird comes on for Josh Reynolds at lock. From the kick off the Harlequins controlled play again using the ball well though the backline and attacking around the edges of the ruck. The control up front from the Harlequins pack was proving difficult at times for the Vikings and they couldn't get their hands on the ball.
A few minutes later Hone Karaka who had made some great breaks down his wing was rewarded with a five pointer by finding holes in the Vikings back line. Dominic gets the conversion.
Play slows again as the replacment players make there way onto the field. Samisoni,Alex, Luke and Jack add there skills helping to string together some wonderful passes putting plenty of pressure on the Vikings.
The Vikings come back pealing of rucks and using the ball well turning the Harlequins backs around with some nice foot work and ball handling skills. They are awarded soon after going in for there first try of the afternoon. They get the conversion.
The next 5 minutes both teams continued to test each other before Samisoni Taukeiaho makes the most of his chance steam rolling up the middle of the field turning the Vikings inside out. The forwards set up in midfield. There doesnt seem to be much happening before the ball pops out, the pass goes to first five Dominic Clapcott who sets himself and knocks over a drop goal.The Harlequins are now up 31-13.
The Harlequins make break after break and now seem to be back in the zone.Thomas Gordon shows his strength playing at seven crossing for try number 5 of the afternoon. Dominic gets the kick.
Working hard off the ball and stringing pass after pass together the Harlequins are looking good in the open and at set play. The Vikings are pinned in there half as the Harlequin impact players make the most of their opportunities. Breaking tackles and turning the Vikings around the Harlequins show some good skill work again pinning the Vikings down.
Overall the Harlequins would have been happy, sticking to the plan for most of the game.
The game comes to an end with the Harlequins winning 38-13.
