The coolest news around

Away vs Lincoln

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Game one of the season and the Brighton boys are heading to Rugby Park to take on Lincoln...

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY v NEW BRIGHTON

At Rugby Park: Lincoln University 28 ( Aaron Somerset, Tetsu Kamata, Dominic Bird tries; Somerset 2 conv, 3 pen) beat New Brighton 24 (Mike Muavae, Kieran Black, David Jansons tries; John Semple 3 conv, pen). HT: 6-14. Referee Kane McBride.

The opening game of the season at Rugby Park produced a cracker of a finish with New Brighton having a 24-20 lead reduced to a one point when Lincoln University first five-eighths Aaron Somerset kicked a penalty with 5min remaining.

With time almost up the students worked themselves into a position for Somerset to attempt a field goal. The kick was on target but a slight deflection by his charging New Brighton counterpart John Semple saw the ball slide outside the upright. But it was only a temporary reprieve for the seasiders as from the resulting 5m scrum Lincoln University attacked the line with one-off runners before skipper Dominic Bird barged his way over for the winning try.

The game which saw Lincoln University uplift the Kevin Lundon Trophy was evenly contested by both sides keen to construct positive scoring opportunities hampered by early season mistakes at vital times but not detracting from a exciting contest.

Lincoln University opened the scoring with two penalties to Somerset before lock Mike Muavae scored his first try for New Brighton following a sustained attack on the students' line. Just before half-time flanker Kieran Black added another after skilfully regathering a loose opposition pass.

Soon after the resumption Lincoln University swept on attack prospering from a New Brighton turnover to put Somerset over for a converted try added to half way through the spell by fleet footed wing Tetsu Kamata cutting in field after a short-side movement.

A Semple penalty got New Brighton back on the score board again and soon after centre David Jansons latched on to a wayward pass in the Lincoln Universty backline to score a converted try which regained the lead before the final exciting 10min saw it change once again.

Captain Dominic Bird led from the front for the students dominating the lineouts and being mobile around the field. He received good support from No 8 Jordan Taufua who was difficult to contain off the back of the scrum. First five-eighths Aaron Somerset had an industrious game and centre Matt Ryan showed pace in midfield.

No one had a stronger game for New Brighton than blindside flanker Kieran Black who was close to the action all day. He was well supported by No 8 Aaron McCoy and they were a tigerish duo. Irish first five-eighths Semple, who was having his first game for New Brighton, gave a tidy display and almost saved his side in the final moments. He received good service from halfback Mitchell Ellis.

MVP: Dominic Bird (Lincoln University) 3, Kieran Black ( New Brighton) 2, Aaron Somerset ( Lincoln University) 1.

Home vs HSOB

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

After a poor showing last wek, the NBC boys were to play the 2011 champions in their first home game.

HSOB v NEW BRIGHTON

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 16 (Luke Crotty try; John Semple conv, 3 pen) beat High School Old Boys 13 (Chris Small, Jack Turley tries; Stephan van Gruting pen). HT: 6-5. Referee: James Munro. Sinbin: Nick Ross (HSOB).

Nerves were taut for both teams and their supporters as the closing stages of this match produced its share of drama. With the scores tied at 13-13 with three minutes to play, Brighton received a penalty at a breakdown of bodies 30m from Old Boys' posts and almost in front.

Before Brighton's goal-kicker John Semple could take the shot, however, there was a 10min delay as young Old Boys replacement Blair Williamson was stretchered from the field. He was in the collision of bodies at the melee and never moved after it broke up.

Semple kept his nerve when he finally got to take the kick, but it was far from over as Old Boys won possession from the restart and camped in Brighton's half. In the last minute they were awarded a penalty just outside the 22m and wide out, but their goal-kickers, Stephan van Gruting and Martin Swart, had slotted just one from seven attempts between them and the ball was kicked into touch near the corner.

Throughout the match, Old Boys had dominated the lineouts, their taller forwards robbing Brighton of several of its throws and forcing a number of crooked throws as well. But when it mattered most, Old Boys failed to control the lineout, Brighton wrested the bobbling ball and cleared to touch to end an absorbing game.

When centre Steve Gee scythed through the midfield and set up fullback Chris Small after 6min, it looked like it may become a stroll in the domain for Old Boys, but Brighton's defence was water-tight from then and its fierce tackling, especially by second five-eighths Fia Meafou, unsettled the normally composed Old Boys backline.

Even so, Old Boys were only a point in deficit at half-time and with the brisk easterly behind them in the second half they were expected to dominate. However, Brighton continued to tackle tenaciously and it played with considerable enterprise when in possession, wing Luke Crotty scoring a fine try in the right corner after replacement left wing Ben Murphy nearly dotted down in the opposite corner after a side-stepping burst.

Old Boys equalised with 8min left, flanker Jack Turley finishing off an over-lap, but Brighton had the last say and its win was well deserved even allowing for the woeful Old Boys goal-kicking.

Captain and prop Mitch Alcock and brother, Fraser, at hooker, were tigerish throughout as was No. 8 Aaron McCoy. Centres Meafou and David Jansons, until replaced, put in some big hits and Crotty was alert on attack and in defence.

Old Boys lock Nick Ross had a field day in the lineouts, No. 8 Sam Ananie was strong off the scrum and Vern Holden and Gee made some nice midfield breaks, but it was a match the champions will quickly want to forget.

MVP: Fia Meafou (New Brighton) 3, Mitch Alcock (New Brighton) 2, Luke Crotty (New Brighton) 1.

Away vs Burnside

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

New Brighton had ground out a gutsy win against HSOB last week, could they back it up against a building Burnside team?

BURNSIDE v NEW BRIGHTON

At Burnside Park: Burnside 17 (Jed Brown 2, Mark Swanepoel tries; Kieran Lindsay conv) beat New Brighton 16 ( Fraser Alcock try; John Semple conv, 2 pen, dg). HT: 0-13. Referee: Liam Scanlon.

It is an 80min game and Burnside were effectively out of it for 70. The final 10min, however, were all theirs. They had not played well in that earlier time period, frequently kicking the ball back to the visitors and being out-hussled in the tight. New Brighton love to feed off scraps and opposition mistakes.

The seasiders had plenty of possession and probably a slight advantage in territory. The home team was disorganised for much of the game and the coaches were a frustrated pair on the sideline, wondering when their charges were going to wake up and play some rugby.

New Brighton are not a flashy side; they thrive on grafting for the ball and to be fair it was not a pretty game to watch. Burnside's defence held New Brighton at bay for all but the last 2min of the first half. New Brighton were leading 6-0, which some Burnside supporters said should have been 6-6, two Kieran Lindsay penalty attempts that looked to be over being flagged away by the officials.

Just before the break New Brighton finally breached Burnside's line courtesy of a well worked tap penalty move close to the line, which saw hooker Fraser Alcock score behind the posts. Burnside came back immediately and had New Brighton under severe pressure but ended the half 13 points down, having not taken any of their chances.

After the break there was little constructive action, the only points being a John Semple penalty goal after 20min. All the significant action came in the final 10min. Trailing 16-0, Burnside sparked into life and New Brighton’s defence suddenly looked vulnerable. Giving away some silly penalties allowed Burnside to gain momentum and territory. Camped on the New Brighton line Burnside finally broke through in the corner through replacement halfback Mark Swanepol, after a series of scrums.

Minutes later a fine break down the left wing saw Burnside's hooker and captain Mikae Tuu’u put flanker Jed Brown over wide out. Phil Gibson’s conversion attempt was well astray, but now the gap was only six points and Burnside were on a roll.

Attacking hard with only 2min left, Burnside broke the seasiders resolve and were able to put Jed Brown in for his second try and a one-point differential. With time up Kieran Lindsay’s conversion just scraped inside the right-hand upright to the delight of his teammates and to New Brighton’s despair.

For New Brighton No.8 Aaron McCoy, flanker Kieran Black and hooker Fraser Alcock were industrious in the tight. First five-eighths John Semple ran the backs well and carved off some booming punts. Wing Ben Murphy and fullback Matt Ball ran strongly.

Burnside, apart from defending well, had little to show for their efforts until the end, halfback Brett Cameron in his 100^thgame had a steady match. Second five-eighth Ra Parker had a strong game in midfield. Tuu’u led by example, but it was openside flanker Jed Brown who will be the toast of his team with his strong running and two tries, along with Lindsay for his vital conversion.

Home vs Shirley

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

After another last minute loss last week did the NBC boys have the ticker to go out and put east-side rivals Shirley to the sword?

NEW BRIGHTON v SHIRLEY

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 50 (Jesse Bright 2, Luke Crotty 2, Mike Muavae, Fia Meafou, Kieran Black tries; John Semple 6 conv, pen) beat Shirley 26 (Jay Williams, Andrew Williams, Meki Magele, Josh Reeves tries; Rob Smith 3 conv). HT: 43-7. Referee: Josh Noonan

For a five-minute period late in the first quarter, Shirley must have felt it was watching a horror show as it hopes of a long overdue victory evaporated in such short time. After 12min it was 3-0 to Brighton and while the seasiders held an edge nobody could have forseen what was to come.

It all started then with rangy lock Mike Muavae backing up a break by first five-eighths John Semple to score unopposed under the cross-bar. From the kick-off Shirley spilt the ball, right wing Jesse Bright pounced and scooted 40m down the sideline for a second converted try.

From the restart Brighton struck again, this time with powerful second five-eighths Fia Meafou making the midfield bust and quick passing enabling left wing Luke Crotty to do the finishing. The lead was 22-0 after 16min, and while Shirley struck back and scored a deserved try after a concerted period inside Brighton's 22m, the floodgates opened again in the last 5min before the break with Crotty and Bright both scoring their second tries before Meafou bullocked over on the call of half-time.

It was a dreadful first half for Shirley, Semple's high kicks embarrassing the rearguard and the visitor's passing was laboured, the recipients getting the ball and a Brighton tackler simultaneously.

Shirley coach Allan Lindsay made numerous changes early in the second half including subbing industrious No. 8 Chris McGrath and the fresh legs had an effect with Shirley more committed and eager at the breakdowns with replacement hooker Andrew Williams to the fore. He and another second-half sub, five-eighths Josh Reeves, both were rewarded with tries for their determined efforts.

Despite a gritty second half in which Shirley scored three of the four tries, the honours were well and truly with New Brighton. Muavae was exceptional with his rampaging runs in the first half that set the tone for the home team's unrelenting aggression and prop Jarrod Ward, hooker Fraser Alcock, and captain Kieran Black, at No.8, were hard-hitting defenders and prominent in support play.

Crotty and Bright took their try-scoring opportunities with aplomb, Meafou and Brett Mather forged a good midfield relationship helped by the crisp clearances from the halves, Jason Sinclair and Semple. Semple was superb with his running and passing and kicking, both tactical and at goal.

MVP:Mike Muavae (New Brighton) 3, John Semple (New Brighton) 2, Luke Crotty (New Brighton) 1.

Away vs Sydenham

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

New Brighton were up against the unbeaten Sydenham down at the bus depot this week, how did they get on?

SYDENHAM v NEW BRIGHTON

At Sydenham Park: Sydenham 24 (Scott Kelly, Codie Taylor, Mike Herring tries; Tyrone Elkington 3 conv, pen) beat New Brighton 13 (Misi Selave try; John Semple conv, 2 pen). HT: 10-6. Referee: Rob Harman (Auckland).

As much as New Brighton scrapped for possession and hustled and bustled it did not have the manpower at set pieces to place front-running Sydenham under pressure for prolonged periods.

Scrums and lineouts were welcomed by Sydenham whose tall timber of Johnny Gray and Mark Croft rose unchallenged to claim their lineout throws, while the weightier scrum had the seasiders' pack back-pedalling on most occasions.

If handicapped enough in those areas, New Brighton had one of those starts that causes coaches nightmares. After conceding a soft try in the third minute, New Brighton's woes were compounded in the next 7min with two key cogs in the pack, mobile lock Mike Muavae and rugged hooker Fraser Alcock, both off through injury.

For all that, Brighton was only four points in deficit at the break, but basic errors in the second half were exploited by Sydenham which scored from a crooked Brighton lineout throw after 48min then made the game safe with a fine try by wing Mike Herring in the 64^th minute. A Brighton free kick failed to find touch and Sydenham's Japan-bound midfielder Jack Umaga led a counter-attack with Herring taking an in-pass at speed and dotting down under the cross-bar unopposed.

With a 24-6 lead and 16min remaining, Sydenham was odds-on to collect a bonus-point try, but instead it was New Brighton which finished the stronger and replacement wing Misi Selave scored an outstanding try after much good work by himself and centres, Fia Meafou and Brett Mather.

Sydenham's big pack with No. 8 Scott Kelly and hooker Codie Taylor to the fore made life difficult for Brighton to get quick possession, especially in the first half, and Canterbury centre Johnny McNicholl showed his class with two spearing runs. In the second half, Crusaders first five-eighths Tyler Bleyendaal took control with probing runs and angled grubber-kicks. Wing Waylon Skipper chased and tackled energetically.

Meafou and Mather did an excellent containing job in midfield for Brighton and halfback Mitchell Ellis performed admirably under pressure. Captain and No. 8 Kieran Black never stopped trying and replacement Troy Mangan and prop Jarrod Ward were other pack members with an `up-and-at-em' attitude.

MVP: Scott Kelly (Sydenham) 3, Tyler Bleyendaal (Sydenham) 2, Brett Mather (New Brighton) 1.

Away vs Marist

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Home vs Belfast

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Home vs Christchurch

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Home vs Uni

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Away vs Linwood

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Away vs Sumner

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200