Papakura secure grand final spot

23/8/2016
AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE
Papakura secure grand final spot
For immediate release

Papakura have secured a spot in the 2016 SAS Fox Memorial grand final, beating Pt Chevalier 26-14 in the weekend.

Finishing the season as minor premiers and winning both games over Pt Chevalier in their previous meetings, Papakura looked the most promising coming into the match.

Early tries to second rower Samiu Ikahihifo, centre Andrew Tusiane and interchange prop King Vuniyayawa took the Sea Eagles out to a 16-0 lead.

Slowly but surely Pt Chevalier found their feet in the contest though, after halfback Oliver Tuimavave scored and stand off Jonathan Carl converted to trail 18-6 at the break.

Papakura were straight out the gates in the second half with winger George Edwards breaking the line before kicking infield to hooker Terence Phillips who crossed to extend their lead 24-6.

It wasn’t over for the Pirates though with fullback Siua Otunuku storming over to score on the right edge.

Another break off Otunuku, and second rower Daniel Bell narrowed the gap with a try.

Carl converted to add the extras, but it was too little too late for Pt Chevalier going down 26-14 at full time.

Papakura Sea Eagles captain Roman Hifo said the win was well deserved.

“We put in the hard work, we’ve added Monday night trainings and we’ve made the grand final - it’s a good feeling,” he said.

“It wasn’t about winning the Roope, the Nines but to make it here.”

“We’ve always fallen short in previous years but we’ve been building to this moment.

“One more to go,” he said.

While Papakura get the week off, the Pirates will play traditional foes, the Mt Albert Lions in the major semi-final this week – a 2015 grand final rematch- to see who will advance to face the Sea Eagles in the September 3 grand final.

“We really wanted to take care of business and get the week off,” said Siua Otunuku, captain of Pt Chevalier.

“It wasn’t our day today. Papakura controlled the game and played really well in the first 20 minutes."
“We’re not going to focus much on Mt Albert leading into the major semi-final. Most of it is around us working on our defence and executing our plays.”

Pt Chevalier face Mt Albert this Saturday August 27 at Mt Smart Stadium #2, kick-off 2.30pm.

Papakura 26 (Andrew Tusiane, Samiu Ikahihifo, Terence Phillips, King Vuniyawawa tries; Reece Joyce x3 goals, x2 penalty goals) beat Pt Chevalier 14 (Siua Otunuku, Oliver Tuimavave, Daniel Bell tries; Jonathan Carl x1 goal).

ENDS

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