Highland U19 v. United
Saturday saw a phenomenal game of rugby between rivals Highland and United, one which could have gone either way, and often did with a back-and-forth lead throughout the game. In the end, Highland found a bit of that old magic from somewhere to earn the #1 seed to nationals in an 18-17 victory.
The game was unbelievably intense from the opening kickoff, and it became clear from the opening breakdown that both teams were going to go viciously at each other all game long. Murray rugby stadium was filled almost to capacity, with a crowd that probably numbered around 2-3,000 screaming rugby fans who made the noise almost deafening at times. Big hits, nasty rucks, and handling errors in the backline marked much of the first half of play, as both teams went at each other back and forth on the field without much to show on the scoreboard. Highland threatened more consistently in the half, spending a great deal of time in the opposition half, but a strong United defense and an inability to hold on to the ball kept the score at zero until United conceded a penalty straight in front of the posts which was successfully taken by lock Sam Brookham, 3-0. United responded right away, with the Whippy twins (12/13) deftly moving the ball down the field both on the ground and through the air with the kicking game. Two interesting side notes – 1. Marcus Whippy, older brother of the twins, was a standout wing for Highland about 6 years ago, very talented family. 2. Both teams were had sets of twins on the field, with the aforementioned Josh and Jared Whippy for United, and Ara and Wini Elkington for Highland (whose older brother Raha excelled at #10 for Highland back in 2005). Quite the family affair!
Back to the game, United was given a penalty of their own, which was slotted through to tie the score at 3. Highland would get close a couple more times, but would come away with no points. Levi Card made several strong runs only to lose possession, and handling errors continued to plague the backline. Both sides showed very strong defense, and after some more intense play on both sides, that’s the way the half would end.
If the first half was intense, the second half was intensity on steroids. Both teams came out with plenty of fire. The excitement in the air was palatable, as both squads knew that the winner of the game would go straight to nationals as the #1 seed, while the loser would have to win a 4-team playoff (with NorCal, PNW, and Arizona) for the #2 seed. A Highland attack saw the ball spend a lot of time near the goal, and although a score seemed imminent, it was tough going. Eventually a United penalty led to another Brookham kick, and the lead was Highland’s again, 6-3. It was United who would score the first try of the game. Following a 5-man lineout, a kick ahead by fullback Ezra Hirawani caused havoc near the goal, and with Highland unable to field cleanly, United would pick up and touch over for the unconverted try, 10-6.
The physical play would get a hair out of hand, as United’s Whippy (#12) would be sent off for a high tackle, much to the dismay of the very opinionated United fans, who had no problem letting the official know exactly how they felt. It was the first of two yellow cards on the day for United. Taking advantage of the man advantage, Highland moved the ball down the field where it appeared they would be once again rebuffed. Not to be denied this time, though, the ball was spun wide to inserting fullback Tana Afeaki, who carried himself across the line with a second effort and reached across for the try. The sideline conversion was missed by Brookham, but the lead was regained, 11-10. With around 8 minutes left in the game, it was desperation for United, who had to make something happen. Once again, it was the kicking game that would move them down the field, and they put one in across the line for a converted try, and Highland was left with less than 5 minutes to score, and convert, a try. What happened next is another piece to add to the Highland legend. Hard running, great execution, and fanatical effort moved the ball down the field. Sean Harwood found DJ Ferris on the weakside, but he came up about a meter short from scoring. As the try would have to be converted for the win, it may have been a blessing in disguise that he did not get in, as the kick would have been difficult. Highland got the ball back quickly and after a perfectly executed lineout, got close once again. Harwood took the ball from a ruck and spun wide to #10 Danny Tuai, who glanced off of a tackler, spun inside, and sprinted in to the try zone for a diving try that sent the crowd and the sidelines in to an absolute frenzy. The noise was deafening, and for a moment the crowd seemed to forget than a conversion was still needed to go ahead. Not to worry, however, as Brookham continued a fantastic day of kicking by putting the pressure-packed kick through the uprights for an 18-17 advantage. 30 seconds was all that remained on the clock, and following a good take by Kesni Tausinga on the kickoff, Highland was awarded a penalty. Apparently wanting to add just a little more drama on the day (like it needed more!) Afeaki did not quite get the kick in to touch. Thankfully the kick was well-covered, and the United wing was forced out to end a game for the ages. Hats off to Wini and Ara, who were both incredible all day and showed a tremendous will to win, and to Brookham, who had his best kicking day of the year when it was needed most. Also, kudos to sophomore Leva Bloomfield, who played hard in making his first-ever U19 start.
Highland gets a bit of a rest before nationals on the 21st and 22nd, while United must win the previously mentioned tournament, which they will host, to qualify.
Highland
1: Maika Hafoka (Matt Jensen @ 20:00 blood, Hafoka re-enter), 2: Levi Card ( c ), 3: DJ Ferris, 4: Sam Brookham, 5: Kesni Tausinga 6: Aaron Hanson (Kap Pauni @ 60:00), 7: Ara Elkington, 8: John Kacinski, 9: Sean Harwood, 10: Danny Tuai, 11: Leva Bloomfield, 12: Eric Pauni, 13: Wini Elkington, 14: Josh Anderson, 15: Tana Afeaki
Scoring – (T): Afeaki, Tuai (K): Brookham 2P, 1C
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