MATCH: Aztec 2 v Mangere Hawks
DATE: 22/06/12 RESULT: 44 - 53 Mangere Hawks
- ¼ time score 7 - 13
- ½ time score 19 - 21
- ¾ time score 34 - 35
TEAM:
Alison White, Ariana Page, Chelsea Bilton, Luana Beazley-Tango, Ngamira Warren, Nicola O’Malley, Sara Lendrum, Sarah Inkster, Shaiann Hemi, Terri Anne Paea, Tracey Spence, Lucy Bremner
COACH: Wendy Bremner MANAGER: Josephine Otene
STARTING LINE UP:
Inkster GS, O’Malley GA, Page WA, White C, Paea WD, Spence GD Warren GK.
BENCH:
Bremner, Bilton, Hemi, Lendrum, Beazley-Tango (absent)
We knew Hawks had defeated Manurewa Rugby last week so it was going to be a tough contest tonight. The game started quite messy with both teams taking time to settle into their rhythm and it was a hectic pace. Hawks took command in the beginning minutes and pulled ahead with a couple of breaks to be in front by 5 after 17 centre passes. Hawks had dominated possession in this first quarter, turning to the post 20 times to our 8, so even though our accuracy was higher our opportunities to net the ball were less. O’Malley took a knock to the face and called time with a bleeding nose. Spence had injured her Achilles simultaneously and some changes were required. Bilton came off the bench to GA and Lendrum to GD. The new combinations took a few minutes to settle in and there was only time for 4 more centre passes in this quarter before time was called. Mangere Hawks had increased their lead to 6.
First quarter score: 7 - 13 Hawks
We kept the players in the positions they had finished in and Hawks made no changes either. The second quarter had more control and Aztec started to play their own game more. We had managed to break Hawks centre pass twice and looked like we were gaining momentum but a couple of stray passes in the midcourt and ill-disciplined breaks squandered hard earnt possession. Hawks fought back scoring the next 3 goals before we refocused and settled again. We got some great defensive turn overs as White and Paea were putting pressure on the feed into the circle and Lendrum and Warren hunting the ball at every opportunity, resulting in 6 deflections and intercepts. Inkster was shooting well with a perfect result this quarter 9 from 9 and Bilton sunk 3 from 6 attempts. The feeders were finding their shooters well. Aztec won this quarter by 4, 12-8 and reduced the lead to 2.
Half time score: 19 - 21 Hawks
Bremner came on at WA and Hemi at WD, no other changes. Hawks brought on a new WD. Inkster had another solid quarter sinking 9 from 10 and Bilton was successful 6 from 9. Hawks scored 14 from 19. Bremner took a few minutes to settle then was finding the feed into Bilton or Inkster well. Hemi was strong and fast on defence and gained 4 intercepts in this period of play. Both she and Lendrum provided great back up support at the attacking end allowing options for reset when the feed was pressured. We let them break our centre pass a few times at the beginning and end of this quarter but on the whole treasured possession well, winning this quarter 15-14. Going into the final quarter the lead had reduced to 1.
Third quarter score: 34 - 35 Hawks
Bremner came off with injury replaced by Page at WA. No other changes by Aztec but Hawks made a change to their GD and WD. Hawks took control at the beginning of this final period of play and faced the post 24 times to our 14. Possession is everything and they managed to turn it into points, securing a win by 9 goals after winning this quarter by 8. Final score: 44 - 53 Hawks
Both teams won 2 quarters each and this was another fast-paced, skilful game. Hawks put up 20 more shots at goal than we did 76 - 56 and Inkster’s accuracy kept us in the game. Crucial turnovers in the 1st and last quarters to work on but we look forward to an improved full 60 minute performance when we face off against Hawks again in the second round.