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The 2005 season was a very pleasing result. The teams goal was to finish in the Top 2 to have a home semi-final.
The ultimate goal was the Auckland Title but the last 20 minutes left the team devastated. Although the team was very
humbled at the after match, they all attended in a sportsmanship manner.
Saturday 20th August, 2:30pm at Eden Park No. 1
Kelston 16 Kings 9 (Halftime)
Kings 32 -vs- Kelston 28 (Final Score).
The game and Auckland title was there for the taking. The team had one hand on the handle of the trophy. 28 - 9 up with 20
minutes to go Kelston could not get their hands on the ball. The ball is what win games.
The team played some exceptional rugby and scored some awesome tries that were team orientated tries. Its amazing how
a game can turn on his head by one error. The interception by the Kings left wing from inside Kings 22 was the exact moment
the game changed. Kelston were hard on attack looking very dangerous and properly one more try at that moment would of ended
any chance of a Kings comeback.
BUT to Kings credit they began to put a string of passes together and a sense of team urgency lifted. This created more
territory and placed greater pressure on the Kelston team. A few other mistakes occurred and Kings, like a good team took
there opportunities.
I personally felt fitness and experience under pressure had some influence on the result. Eden Park is a big field that
Kelston was properly not use to. The game was quite fast where little stoppage of play occurred. Kings seem to grow more fresher
as the game went on. Another reason why Kings had a remarkable comeback was their goal kicker. He hardly missed a kick. He
was nailing them from 1/2 way. I think he got 7/8 kicks which demonstrates the talent of their 1st 5.
From a spectators view, both teams played with excellent skill and passion. But on the day the better team won and thoroughly
deserved to win the title. Kings went through the season unbeaten and wish them well all the best in the up coming playoff
with the winners of the North Harbour Competition.
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Heroes and Villians:
Players who demonstarted an excellent game was Kelstons No. 8 and Captain, Eddie Dickens. He lead by example, making some
devastating runs and communicating throughout the entire match.
John Akavi is a very talented player who controlled the Kelston attack with superb precision. Kings had no answer for
60 minutes of the game. Its a pity the No. 10 did not get more quality ball.
The other key player was Halfback Wayne Ngaluafe. His service from rucks and mauls was accurate and quick. He also made
some dangerous runs from the back of the scrum. His goal kicking was pretty good as well but needed to make key kicks inside
the 15m line to keep the score ticking over.
Improvements for the team is the game is never over until 70 minutes is up. Never take things for granted. A very good
team but did not reach their full potential, because of attitude when the going gets tough! Great experience for their development
though.
Keep a look out for the above names, as you may see them in bigger games later in life.
I will rate each players performance on a scale of 1-10 for the Kings Game and suggest improvement needed to become the
best possible rugby player they can be. (10 being awesome performance & 1 being should not be playing at this level).
Player 15: 7 Made some telling runs, but made a couple of basic areas at 1st XV level.
Player 14: 6 Scored and finished a great try.
Player 13: 7 Played solid throughout most of the match. Must be a positive leader, Negativity creates failure!
Player 12: 7 Another powerful game but needs to develop other skills.
Player 11: 8 Another powerful game, just watch discipline and improve fitness and you will be a fantastic rugby player.
Player 10: 9 Controlled the game well and ran the show. Need to develop more leadership and increase aerobic and muscular
strength to become an international player in the future. Certainly has the potential to go all the way but attitude is relaxed.
Player 9: 8 Possesses excellent rugby skills. Needs to develop greater decision making to what the defense is doing.
Player 8: 9 Has excellent leadership, but needs to develop greater muscular strength/power.
Player 7: 8 Always plays with great intensity.
Player 6: 8 Has a great will to attain the best result. This is how you play keep it up. Work on Strength/Power in the
off season.
Player 5: 6 Solid game but learn to dominate the lineout.
Player 4: 5 Played well but must learn to read the lineout of what the opposition are doing.
Player 3: 6 Performed core jobs
Player 2: 6 Played well but not to full potential that he is capable of.
Player 1: 6 Again peformed core jobs but fitness may need improvement over the off season.
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