Akarana Falcons Win Nathan Cayless Cup

National Competition 15s Tournament Akarana Falcons Win Nathan Cayless Cup

Auckland, NZ, October 4, 2013 – Finals day of the 15s tournament was another busy one, with all eight teams playing one last game. The Grand Final featured the Wai-Coa-Bay Colts, who represent the Upper Central Zone, and the Akarana Falcons, who won the Nathan Cayless Cup in 2010.

Both teams started with rousing haka and were supported by a strong crowd, many of whom had travelled long distances to be there for the final. It was a special final for the Wai-Coa-Bay squad, as they were the first team from their Zone to appear in an NZRL National Competition final in any grade.

Akarana scored first with a try to #11 Isaiah Papalii, and they followed this with a try to #12 Taine Tipene. Papalii then scored another, before the Wai-Coa-Bay Colts #12 Dylan Clark crossed for their first try. Score 18 – 6 to the Falcons at half time. Akarana scored first after the break, then the Colts scored an excellent try with a kick through bouncing up and fullback Morgan Harper catching it to score. However the Falcons were too strong in the end and finished the game 36-10 winners.|

The immaculately turned out South Island Scorpions were the first team at the ground in the morning, ready for their all-important 7th v 8th play-off against the Northern Swords. The Swords, who were badly hit by injuries to their squad during the week, struggled to emulate the current success of their 17s team and finished the 15s tournament in eighth place. The South Island team made the most of their final match to post 50 points while only conceding four. They finished the tournament in seventh and Rory Ferguson was named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

The Counties Manukau Stingrays and the Central Vipers were 10-all at half time in their 5th v 6th play-off and looked evenly matched, with both teams making good metres up the middle and defending their lines stoutly. In the second half, the Vipers continued to make good metres up field but were unable to convert a number of opportunities into points. A loose ball provided the opportunity the Stingrays were looking for and they pounced. Once the Stingrays got on a roll there was little the Vipers could do, although they defended to the end. Final score 24-10 to the Stingrays.

In the play-off for third and fourth, the Auckland Rugby League Development side played a strong game, making the most of their opportunities, forcing the Wellington Orcas into making errors and ensuring they benefited from them. Up 24-6 at half time, the second half was slower and the Orcas fought hard to the end, but the final score was 30 – 6 to the ARLD.

At the conclusion of the day's play a 15s Merit team was named, and they are listed below.

Please note: The correct results for yesterday's semi-final between the Akarana Falcons and the Wellington Orcas was 40-10 to Akarana. For all results please visit our website at any time www.nzrl.co.nz/national-competition/draw/2013/2013-15s-draw

Day Five - Finals:
7 & 8 Northern Swords 4 vs South Island Scorpions 50
5 & 6 Counties Manukau Stingrays 24 vs Central Vipers 10
3 & 4 Auckland RL Development 30 vs Wellington Orcas 6
1 & 2 Wai-Coa-Bay Colts 10 vs Akarana Falcons 36
Wai-Coa-Bay Colts:10 D Clark, M Harper tries; M Harper goal
Akarana Falcons: 36 I Papalii (2), T Tipene, T Kali (2), J Timoti tries; K Johnson 6 goals
Half time: 6 - 18
Referee: Kiko Puhipi Hibbs
15s Merit Team 2013:
1 Morgan Harper, Wai-Coa-Bay Colts
2 Fa’atapu Lisati, Akarana Falcons
3 Tarquinn Alatipi, Wellington Orcas
4 Melino Fineanganofo, Akarana Falcons
5 Junior Malau, Counties Manukau Stingrays
6 Boston Hakaroa, Akarana Falcons
7 Dylan Tavita, Auckland Rugby League Development
8 Kenese Kenese, Counties Manukau Stingrays
9 Tuteauru Maipi, Akarana Falcons
10 Fine Kula, Auckland Rugby League Development
11 Rory Ferguson, South Island Scorpions
12 Taine Eason-Tipene, Akarana Falcons
13 Ezekiel Cooper, Wai-Coa-Bay Colts
14 Jerome Mamea, Akarana Falcons
15 Isaiah Papalii, Akarana Falcons
16 Mawene Hiroto, Central Vipers
17 Sebastian Rapana, Wai-Coa-Bay Colts
Nathan Cayless Cup (15s)
2013 Akarana Falcons
2012 Counties Manukau Stingrays
2011 Auckland Pride
2010 Counties Manukau
This Week:
At Bert Henham Park, Otahuhu October 5, 2013
NZ Residents 18s v Australian Secondary Schools RL
Kick off 12.45pm

ENDS

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