Crescent Head 7s Report

Crescent Head 7’s Report:

Coach: Waisale Qalulu

Captain: Waisale Qalulu

Players: Jope Gaunavou , Manasa Nairebu , Junior Tuibure , Charlie O’connor , Joel Carter , Scott Carroll , Jone Tagivetaua , Siti Kinikini jnr , Lasaro Tekuleka

Ballboy / Water boy: Malakai Bolabiu (Charlie O’connor nephew)

Manager: Lenny Rarawa

First, I would like to thank the club for the support, allowing this team to compete at the Crescent Head 7’s comp.

It wasn’t the ideal preparation having only one full team training session, if we can call it that. This didn’t stop the enthusiasm shown by the players who were willing to go on the near five hour journey. We car pooled up there in 4 cars, special mention to Jone Tagivetaua and Manasa Nairebu who drove through the night after finishing work and arrived  at 2am..

First Game: Brothers v Evans Head

Win: 22 – 7

We got to the ground just in time; our players led by Waisale Qalulu rushed onto the ground as the opposition was already waiting in the middle of the field.  A couple minutes in, our continuity in possession resulted in the opposition buckling and our first try was scored by Junior Tuibure. From the kick off we defended well and managed a turnover which led to Junior Tuibure scoring his second. The remaining half was spent defending and we did it well.  The opposition scored early in the second half but their celebration was short lived as Siti Kinikini slipped his way through the defense and scored a brilliant try. Another try was scored by Lasaro Tekuleka and it was converted.

Second Game: Brothers v Hawthorne Rugby Club (Newcastle & Hunter Region Combine)

Loss: 7 – 47

This was a slick team; they beat Sydney University first up and gave Manly, the eventual runners up a run for their money. Our only try again came through good passage of play, the ball eventually finding Jope Gaunavou who used brute strength to find the line. The boys kept trying and never gave up.

Third Game: Brothers v Canterbury

Loss: 7 – 27

It was a tight first half, 7 all at the break. Our try came through individual brilliance, Manasa Nairebu from about 55 meters out, he left almost the whole opposition in his wake with strength and speed, this man is a machine. Fitness caught up to us in the second half, Canterbury ran away with it.

Shout Outs:

Waisale Qalulu – captain / coach, the veteran and senior figure of the side, age shall not weary him. He led his chargers well and was always there to give advice and encouragement.

Charlie O’Connor & Jone Tagivetaua – the captains left and right hand man, their athleticism was always a highlight, one handed off loads, big strides and bumping players off them, very skillful guys.

Manasa Nairebu – with big hits and brute force the opposition was always wary around him.

Joel “White Lion” Carter – if this young man continues learning the game I have no doubt he can play at a higher level, his defensive efforts was exceptional ,especially that cover tackle in the first game absolutely walloped the opposition into touch.

Scott Carroll – the man who will do anything for the team, smash it up ….smash it up ….. smash it up all day. Great team man!

Siti Kinikini jnr, Lasaro Tekuleka, Jope Gaunavou, Junior Tuibure – the new recruits, Brothers Rugby finds itself new talent every year, this year is no exception with  the inclusion of these players to the rooster . They showed they have the athleticism and talent to play rugby.

Malakai Bolabiu (Charlie O’connor nephew) – Waterboy / Ballboy / Photographer & Video Boy

A great effort from the little man, Thank you.

After Rugby: Pool session BBQ & Beers

Post-game we decided to head back to the motel, on the agenda was a lazy swim in the pool followed by a decent BBQ, a few Coronas and some music to relax.

Scott & Joel learned a few choice Fijian words and a new card game, Joel’s Fijian name is now JOELI and his from the Highland part of Fiji, Naitasiri. I ‘m sure they had a great time hanging with the Fijian boys. Happy Birthday Scott!

Arrival: We all arrived back safely!

However, though we departed in 4 cars we came back in 3, Manasa had to ditch his car 30km out of Newcastle near Karuah. The old Charade just couldn’t cope anymore; luckily we had spare seats in two other cars.

Again a big thank you to the guys!

LENNY RARAWA