The coolest news around

Away vs Sydenham

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

On Saturday 9th of April the New Brighton Div 1 side kicked off the season against Sydenham who were boostered by a number of rep players in perfect weather at Rugby Park.

Brighton had a slight wind at their backs and dominated most of the first half. After some good play from the forward pack the Brighton team were keeping the ball for long periods of time and the points were coming through the boot of new 10 Scott Beckingsale and 3 trys to Nick McMullen and 2 for the former Marlborough rep Daniel Karena. Leading 26-3 it appaered at that stage it was Brightons day but a good Sydenham try right on half time game keep them in the game to make it 26-10 at the break.

Brighton again started well with an outstanding team try finished off well by Ryan Hooper. A mistake from the kick off gave Sydenham a 5 metre scrum from which Tu Umaga Marshall proved too strong again keeping Sydenham in touch. The momentum of the game was shifting and Sydenham kept coming hard at Brighton and their backs where finding space and scoring trys.

Brighton had a chance to seal the game with a breakout but fullback Jono Russell was pulled down inches from the try line. Time in their 22 after resulted in no points and Sydenham scored afine breakout try and got their noses in front by 2 points with 5 mins to play. Brighton fought again to get down the other end and after a number of phases and scrums Ryan Crotty had a drop goal trying to steal the game. Sydenham pressure caused the charge down from which they collected and scored at the other end to make the final score 42-33.

It was a good game of footy which could have gone either way. Brighton dominated the first half but off course it is an 80 min game. Sydenham are a dangerous side who move the ball well. New Brighton can keep their heads up with some very good periods of play and a lot of new guys who are still getting to know each other and form combinations. A game they could have won but signs are good for the season ahead.

http://www.crfu.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,649,0,40,html/Game-Day for the crfu match report

Home vs Marist

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Brighton boys took on Marist-Albion this week in their first home game of the season.

NEW BRIGHTON v MARIST-ALBION

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 39 (Aaron Williams, Misi Selave, Mitch Alcock, Fia Meafou, Matt Ball, Aki Selave tries; Ryan Crotty 3 conv, pen) beat Marist-Albion 3 (Murray Roeske pen). HT: 24-3. Referee: Vinny Munro.

New Brighton scored a confidence-building win over Marist-Albion and given the inclement weather conditions produced a polished display of ball-handling and support play. No. 8 Aaron Williams scored an easy try after three minutes and that was followed soon after by a try to wing Misi Selave after a good line break from first five-eighths Ryan Crotty and ruck ball which was quickly distributed to give Selave the over-lap.

Prop Mitch Alcock scored from a line-out drive and centre Fia Meafou dotted down after another over-lap. Marist-Albion’s sole foray into opposition territory brought a penalty goal by Murray Roeske.

Heavy rain which fell just before half-time had the potential to ruin the game as a spectacle, but the seasiders’ stuck to their game plan of moving the ball and with goos support play scored two long-range tries. The Brighton loose forward trio of Ryan Hooper, Aaron McCoy and Williams gave a professional performance both collectively and individually with Hooper stamping his authority. The back-line was polished with good handling and straight running that put the outside backs into gaps allowing centre Fia Meafou and wing Aki Selave to shine.

The Marist-Albion pack did produce a solid scrum with prop Marc Taulango proving a powerful carrier of the ball and lock Thomas Veitch made some telling tackles on defence. It was a difficult day for the backs.

MVP: Ryan Hooper (New Brighton) 3, Aaron McCoy (New Brighton) 2, Thomas Veitch (Marist-Albion) 1.

Stewart Taylor

New Brighton registered its first win in the division two curtain-raiser with a solid 23-5 win over Belfast. After leading 8-0 at the break, Brighton’s forwards laid the winning foundation and the team showed patience and produced an all-round effort. Belfast scored a late consolation try to wing Ben Lawrence, but the team made too many mistakes and conceded too many penalties.

New Brighton hooker Dean Cations led from the front, receiving good support from brother Brent at fullback. Halfback Jason Sinclair was tidy in clearing the ball from behind a dominant scrum. For Belfast, Rueben Te Amo, returning from injury, was an effective No. 8 and made some tellingruns from the back of the scrum, and wing Lawrence was a good finished but had limited opportunities.

Home vs Sumner

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Brighton boys showed the Sumner lads why they hold the seaside shield with a dominant display.

NEW BRIGHTON v SUMNER

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 75 (Keiran Black 2, Jerry Meafou 2, Aaron McCoy 2, Ryan Crotty, Rhys Keith, Lewis Pou, David Cattermole, Cameron Baines, Dayne Wipou tries; Crotty 2 conv, pen; Scott Beckingsale 4 conv) beat Sumner 7 (Reece McAffrey try; Kevin Marriner conv). HT: 32-0. Referee: Chris Wratt.

The signs were not good for Sumner from the beginning. Forced to default its division two team in order to get sufficient players resulted in 10 forced name or positional changes to the original line-up.

Sumner had some possession and territory in the opening minutes, but once New Brighton settled and put the first points on the board through a Ryan Crotty penalty, Sumner was virtually reduced to the role of spectator against its seaside cousins.

A dominant Brighton pack rolled the visitors off the ball at the rucks and mauls, creating many opportunities for their speedy backs to punch huge holes in the defence. Seven tries came from turnovers, Sumner having no answer to the determined attacks. Crotty was not at his goal-kicking best, however, landing three from eight.

Ahead 32-0 at the break and with the try bonus-point secured, Brighton never relented as seven tries were added in the second half, the yellow tide swamping Sumner. With regular openside flanker Ryan Hooper playing lock in his 99^th game, his replacement Aaron McCoy took the opportunity with both hands and ran riot. He was a powerful attacker and justice was served when he scored the final two tries. Fellow loose forwards, No. 8 Aaron Williams and Keiran Black were equally as devastating in carrying the ball up.

Crotty and second five-eighths Jerry Meafou were given plenty of room to show their skills and halfback Rhys Keith had an armchair ride, scoring a delightful solo try from 40m out after a turnover. Little left wing Dayne Wipou was rewarded for his work with a fine try.

Sumner too often coughed up what little ball it got. Its only points came early in the second half after a series of penalties against Brighton earned it ground and halfback Sam Robinson took a small gap and passed to centre Reece McAffrey, who beat two flat-footed defenders.

Those two players along with blindside Matt Fitzgerald were Sumner’s best, but it was not a memorable game for coach and starting No. 8, Scott Robertson.

Home vs Lincoln Uni

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Brighton boys were home again this week and fired up to take on Lincoln with Hoops' 100th game.

NEW BRIGHTON v LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 20 (Fia Meafou, Aaron McCoy, Mitch Alcock tries; Scott Beckingsale conv, pen) beat Lincoln University 3 (Luke Graham pen). HT: 10-3. Referee: Chris Wratt. Sinbin: David Cattermole.

Defence won this game for the seasiders, especially in the second half when Lincoln lay siege to the goal-line for long periods without ever crossing it. Lincoln also paid the penalty for not taking penalty kicks at goal, several from close range.

New Brighton, deservedly ahead by seven points at half-time, spent little time in opposition territory after the break, but made the most of its attacking opportunities. No. 8 Aaron McCoy gave Brighton the start it wanted to the second half, charging 20m and setting up a counter-attack which he finished several phases later.

Midway through the half Brighton captain, prop Mitch Alcock, barged over in the corner with the help of his fellow forwards. Lincoln certainly had its chances, but attempts to use the inside channel were blocked and the passing among the backs became increasingly ragged as the Meafou brothers, Jerry and Fia, hit hard in midfield.

New Brighton was strong in the set piece, the scrum and lineout working effectively and two tight-heads were taken. The backs showed glimpses of innovative attack, but they were mainly confined to defence and, as with the forwards, were up to protecting their line.

Lincoln had a robust forward pack which shirked nothing, but the finishing polish was missing and when three of four shots at goal were missed in the first half hour, the students abandoned taking shots which proved costly as a stream of penalties went their way.

McCoy was the spearhead of the Brighton pack, with Hooper on his shoulder and Alcock always close by. Hooper and Lewis Pou provided good lineout ball. For Lincoln, lock Tom Parsons, flanker Jeff Wright and prop James Forrester put their heads down and made good advances while wing Jesse McLay showed plenty of pace.

MVP: Aaron McCoy (New Brighton) 3, Fia Meafou (New Brighton) 2, Tom Parsons (LU) 1

Bob Schumacher

Three tries in the space of eight minutes midway through the second half took Lyttelton to a comfortable 27-13 win over New Brighton in their division two curtain-raiser. New Brighton went to the break ahead, 8-5, but the try-scoring burst by the port players turned the game. The best of them was from the restart after Lyttelton’s second try when the ball was moved quickly and Chris Till found himself in the clear.

For Lyttelton, No. 8 Tumua Fusi gave good go-forward and halfback Chris Barry was industrious and passed accurately, Captain and lock Doug Stewart was a tireless worker, No.8 Samoan George kept driving hard despite the body being battered, and halfback Jason Sinclair gave good service

Away vs Shirley

Sat, 07 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

It was Shirley's turn this week to face the Brighton monster, a wet day at Burwood Park was the venue.

NEW BRIGHTON v SHIRLEY

At BurwoodPark: New Brighton 39 (Misi Selave, Scott Beckingsale, Aki Selave, David Cattermole, Rhys Keith, George Akerei, Aaron McCoy tries ; Cattermole conv; Ryan Crotty conv) beat Shirley 12 (Phil Watson, Jud Robbins tries; Rob Smith conv). HT: 17-0. Referee: Spencer Tait. Sinbins: Century Lam Sam (Shirley), Matt McLachlan (Shirley), Nick McMullan (New Brighton).

A cold, wet south-westerly meant both sides had trouble holding on to the ball, but aggressive play from Brighton saw Shirley concede an early try to wing Misi Selave in the opening minutes despite some valiant defence.

New Brighton maintained territorial dominance in the first half with a second try awarded to fly-half Scott Beckingsale. Tactical kicking from Brighton kept Shirley mainly confined to its own half and the home struggled to make ground against a well-coordinated defensive line. Just before half-time a Shirley defensive lapse allowed right wing Aki Selave to sneak another Brighton try.

The rain intensified in the second half as did Shirley captain Phil Watson, who broke Brighton’s defence in the opening minutes to score a deserved try. It had been set up by a formidable charge by No. 8 Chris Morel and steadfast ruck and maul play that allowed Shirley to maintain possession. A more composed Shirley backline made it harder for Brighton to regain the ball.

Defiant to the end, Shirley pushed Brighton back to its try-line in the dying moments of the second half and with Watson contesting the line-outs vigorously the home side kept up the pressure and went rewarded when lock Jud Robbins penetrated the defence to score a try which Rob Smith converted.

Brighton No. 8 Aaron McCoy sealed the deal for Brighton in the final minute with the visitor’s seventh try, Ryan Crotty adding the conversion.

MVP: Aki Selave (New Brighton) 3, Phil Watson (Shirley) 2, George Akerei (New Brighton) 1

Home vs Linwood

Sat, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

With Club Day in the back of the mind, the NBC boys looked forward to the grudge match against the old foe.

NEW BRIGHTON v LINWOOD

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 9 (David Cattermole 3 pen) beat Linwood 7 (Chris Poff try; Josh Hall conv). HT: 3-7. Referee: Matt Muir. Sinbins: Aaron McCoy (New Brighton), Fia Meafou (New Brighton).

An ugly win beats a pretty loss any time and New Brighton would concur with that after wearing down Linwood in a tight, tense match which had two home team players in the sinbin. While Linwood was kept scoreless in the second half, the visitor lost the game in the first half even though it led, 7-3, at half-time.

Linwood, favoured by the nor’wester, dominated the half and camped inside Brighton’s territory, but managed just one try in the 17^th minute to hooker Chris Poff after centres Takerei Norton and Kodi Hepi and combined to make one f their many incisive breaks in midfield.

Josh Hall kicked that simple conversion, but he missed two penalty kicks, the second from close range near half-time. And wing Karl Uilelea, when unmarked, failed to collect a clever cross-kick from a penalty which caught Brighton napping.

But the Brighton hero was little left wing Misi Selave, who made two try-saving tackles in the first quarter, one from diligent cover defence, the other by chasing hard and wrapping the ankles in a diving tackle.

New Brighton’s tactical kicking was dreadful in the first half, giving ball to the dangerous Linwood midfield backs, but the home team cranked up in the second half and the forwards finally played with some collective passion after fullback David Cattermole had given the team a two-point lead with his third penalty goal in the 68^th minute. Twice Brighton’s forwards held up a Linwood attacker in the maul inside their 22m to win the crucial scrum put-in.

Selave was admirable on defence for Brighton, Cattermole’s raking touch-finders in the second half gave his forwards great encouragement, and replacement halfback Rhys Keith had an impact in the last quarter. No. 8 Aaron Williams became more dominant as the match progressed and was used effectively at the back of the line-outs.

Linwood’s pack stayed committed with the Poffs, Julian and Chris, prominent, while Hepi and Norton made big inroads when given a little room. Luckily for Brighton that space was shut down in the second spell.

MVP: Misi Selave (New Brighton) 3, Kodi Hepi (Linwood) 2, Aaron Williams (New Brighton) 1.

Bob Schumacher

The division two curtain-raiser was won by New Brighton which had the game won by half-time, leading Linwood 28-3 after a dominant first 40 minutes. Linwood rallied strongly in the second half and scored two of the three tries, but the seasiders, if letting their standard slip a little, were comfortable 33-17 winners.

Brighton’s flankers, Nicky Fowler, on the openside, and James Brown both featured prominently throughout, the rugged Brown beavering in the tight and showing out in loose play, while right wing Zac Trussler had a notable second half, anticipating well on defence and throwing his light frame at sturdier opponents when in possession.

Former Linwood senior players, loose forward forward Aaron Smith and midfield back Tino Tuilagi, made a big impact in the second half, Tuilagi’s powerful midfield bust setting up the first of two tries for lively No. 8, Troy Breitmeyer, who was never far from the action.

Away vs University

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Brighton boys travelled to the other side of town to contest the students for the Hockley memorial trophy.

UNIVERSITY v NEW BRIGHTON

At Ilam Fields: University 17 (Rhys Llewellyn try; Jamie Verran 4 pen) beat New Brighton 15 (Aaron McCoy, Scott Beckingsale tries; David Cattermole conv, pen). HT: 9-11. Referee: Johnny Rice.

New Brighton set the tone in the opening minutes when loose forward Aaron McCoy crossed for an early try, but University hit back and challenged the Brighton defence while exerting pressure on the seasiders’ scrum.

University kept in touch in the first-half with successful penalties to fullback, Jamie Verran, back after a shoulder reconstruction. The joint efforts of Sam Lindsay, who served his backline well, and Verran, who handled his fullback’s duties with aplomb, thwarted Brighton.

The match developed into an arm-wrestle between the forward packs with University’s Player of the Day, prop Mitch Graham, a force in the scrums. The University forwards started the second half on a roll with Tom de Malmanche, Mike Allardice, Gareth Reynolds and Graham all playing their parts in the set pieces.

Brighton stand-outs were McCoy and lock Ryan Hooper, playing in the second row because of a rash of injuries to the locking stocks.

Effective player communication helped University keep Brighton under pressure in the half and the loss of captain Mitch Alcock, who had instilled composure in his team, hurt the seasiders who clung to a 15-12 lead with the clock winding down.

Then in the 78^th minute University wing Rhys Llewellyn struck. He swooped on a loose ball and sprinted away to score the winning try.

MVP: Rhys Llewellyn (University) 3, Jamie Verran (University) 2, Aaron McCoy (New Brighton) 1.

Away vs Belfast

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

This week the lads travelled out to the freezing works to play a resurgent Belfast.

NEW BRIGHTON v BELFAST

At Sheldon Park: New Brighton 32 (Ryan Hooper, Aaron McCoy, Dayne Wipou, Jerry Meafou, Isaac Ross tries; David Cattermole 2 conv, pen) beat Belfast 7 (Jerry Pauaraisa try; Kolio Hifo conv). HT: 17-0. Referee: James Munro.

New Brighton dominated territory and possession and had the better of the penalty count to be a clear-cut winner of this Leinster Challenge Trophy match against a slow-starting Belfast. The visitors scored three of their five tries in the last 15min to extend the margin, having been denied others earlier by good defence with some heavy Belfast hits leading to spilled ball.

Long-striding New Brighton lock Ryan Hooper had a top game and must have headed the running-metres count with a succession of slashing breaks as well as making several good line-out takes. His captain and blindside flanker Aaron McCoy embellished his reputation with a strong all-round performance and prop Nick McMullan smashed the ball up a few times.

New Brighton made good use of two left-foot kickers in the backline, first five-eighths Scott Beckingsale and centre Matt Ball, while little wing Misi Selave displayed both speed off the mark and tricky footwork. Halfback Rhys Keith made a few sniping runs too.

Belfast pivot, Kolio Hifo had relatively limited opportunities, but showed ability to spark a backline and delivered some nice cut-out passes. Hooker Moses Gutuvakaca and prop Peter Tapp both used their size to advantage.

Trailing 22-0 Belfast finally got on the board well into the final quarter when replacement halfback Jerry Pauaraisa scored a good build-up, but then it had its line crossed twice more.

The last of those was right on the final whistle when 2.01m replacement lock Isaac Ross went over in the corner. Former All Black Ross made an impact in the line-outs and in the loose in his 30min cameo, and also drew some cheers for a respectable touch-finder.

All Blacks assistant coach and former Belfast man, Wayne Smith, was among the interested spectators at Sheldon Park.

MVP: Ryan Hooper (New Brighton) 3, Aaron McCoy (New Brighton) 2, Misi Selave (New Brighton) 1

Home vs Burnside

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Candystripers came down to the beach to try and get their average season back on track this week.

NEW BRIGHTON v BURNSIDE

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 44 (Ryan Hooper, Matt Ball, Ryan Crotty, Aaron McCoy, Aaron Williams, Dayne Wipou tries; David Cattermole 4 conv, 2 pen) beat Burnside 17 (Mitch Ellis, Ben McDougal, Kieran Lindsay tries; Lindsay conv). HT: 17-0. Referee: Kane McBride.

Sometimes the New Brighton forwards take time to warm to the task, but as Burnside will testify that was not the case in this contest. The home pack hoed into their work from the start, the pick-and-go testing the Burnside defence which spread laterally along the goal-line.

The inevitable first try came after 17min from a series of forward rumbles to the line with flanker Ryan Hooper emerging with the ball from under a pile of bodies. With the forwards maintaining their structure and aggression, halfback Rhys Keith and first five-eighths Ryan Crotty took command with good options and ball distribution.

Crotty gave a masterly display, scything through half gaps, carving off valuable ground with low, raking punts, and tackling ferociously, one such crashing front-on tackle on Ben Payne leaving the Burnside flanker prone with stars forming constellations in his eyes.

That it was Crotty’s day was evident when he scored a try from his only mistake. He failed to find touch from a penalty, but Burnside’s attempt to run the ball back from inside its 22m ended in Crotty intercepting and dotting by the post. That try five minutes into the second half extended Brighton’s lead to 24-0 and the game was as good as over.

When Brighton fullback David Cattermole, who slotted his first six kicks before missing his last two, kicked his second penalty goal after 68min, the seasiders were ahead, 34-0, but Burnside showed commendable spirit in the last 12 minutes and managed three tries while conceding another two as the teams emptied their benches and the game opened up.

Brighton’s bonus-point try was arguably the best of the nine in the match. With lock Daniel Karena to the fore, the forwards exchanged short passes with Hooper flicking the final pass for fellow flanker Aaron McCoy to provide the finishing touch.

Veteran props Nick McMullan and Jarrod Ward were at the heart of an outstanding first-half effort by the Brighton forwards and lock Lewis Pou disrupted several Burnside lineout throws. Hooper, McCoy and No. 8 Aaron Williams formed a formidable back three. Keith barked orders from halfback and wing Matt Ball ran elusively and was safe under the high ball.

Burnside No. 8 Ash Parker was industrious and showed a good turn of speed to cut down Keith after he looked to break clear, hooker George Turner roamed freely and was a good link out wide, and halfback Brett Cameron was hard to stop around the fringes. The Burnside reserves all made an impact which would have given the Burnside coaches some comfort.

MVP: Ryan Crotty (New Brighton) 3, Nick McMullan (New Brighton) 2, Aaron Williams (New Brighton) 1.

Bob Schumacher

Away vs HSOB

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

It was a crunch game for the pippis this weekend, a win would set them up for the first round Telecom Trophy.

HSOB v NEW BRIGHTON

At Bob Deans 1: High School Old Boys 21 (Josh Taylor, Robbie Flynn tries; Stephan van Gruting conv, 2 pen; James Lash dg) beat New Brighton 15 (Ryan Hooper, Jono Russell tries; David Cattermole conv, pen). HT: 15-5. Referee: James Munro. Sinbin: Nick McMullan (New Brighton).

Two missed one-on-one tackles in the first half proved costly for New Brighton which found itself 10 points in arrears at the break and six points behind at the finish despite having the better of the second spell.

Old Boys right wing Josh Taylor scored after eight minutes after brushing through the tackle of Brighton’s fullback, David Cattermole, who seemingly had him covered by the touchline, and Taylor had a hand in his team’s second try after 25 minutes, stepping a tackle in midfield to put centre Robbie Flynn across.

The home team was deservedly ahead, 15-0, at that stage as Brighton failed to treasure possession and kicked it away aimlessly to a waiting back three of Chris Small, Steve Gee and Taylor who were only too happy to return the favour or set up counter-attacks.

Once New Brighton resorted to keeping the ball at close quarters it became a menacing force, lock Ryan Hooper finishing off a series of attacks by the pack 5min before half-time. It was Hooper who started his team’s second try in the 62^ndminute, stepping into wide space from broken play and when he was collared, the ball went quickly through the backline for wing Jono Russell to crash over in the corner.

That was the end of the try-scoring with both teams trading penalties. Cattermole’s goal after 66min closed the gap to six points and set the scene for a frantic finish. Brighton spent the last few minutes controlling the ball in the forwards and mauling it to 5m from the Old Boys line. But the defence stayed disciplined and steadfast and the mistake eventually came.

Old Boys weres well served by their inside halves, first five-eighths James Lash seamlessly slotting in at halfback and Stephan van Gruting, outside him, kicking intelligently and distributing the ball astutely. Taylor had a big impact on the final result and Small made some scything runs. In the pack, Andy Scarlett was valuable at the back of the lineout and captain Peter Chaplin shirked nothing in the tight exchanges.

The Brighton loose forward trio of No. 8 Aaron Williams, a constant metre-gainer, Aaron McCoy and Kieran Black was outstanding once the seasiders’ kept play close to them and Hooper and Mitch Alcock thrived in the close quarters. The backs were not at their best, but wins Russell and Dayne Wipou did little wrong and Wipou mopped up well on defence.

MVP: Josh Taylor (HSOB) 3, Aaron Williams (New Brighton) 2, Stephan van Gruting (HSOB) 1.

Away vs Christchurch

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

New Brighton hadn't won at Christchurch Park in a long time, would this change on a cold, wet afternoon?

NEW BRIGHTON v CHRISTCHURCH

At Christchurch Park: New Brighton 19 (Dayne Wipou 2, Aki Selave tries; Misi Selave conv; Jason Sinclair conv) beat Christchurch 10 (Mark Abbott try; Jason Merrett conv, pen). HT: 0-10. Referee: James Munro.

A less than memorable first half in which both sides managed to achieve very little constructive rugby. It was a ho-hum display with neither team playing with much passion. Christchurch gained its only points in this period through a charge-down try to flanker Mark Abbott after six minutes which Jason Merrett converted to give the home team a somewhat fortuitous advantage,

Merrett extended the lead 20min later with a penalty goal and while Brighton had chances to score, Christchurch’s resolute defence kept the seasiders at bay. Brighton No. 8 Aaron McCoy spent significant time with the ball in his possession and most of the visitor’s momentum revolved around him.

Brighton coach Steve Crotty demanded more accuracy and increased intensity in his half-time speech and got immediate results. New Brighton powered onto attack from the kick-off, putting the home team’s defence under pressure. Christchurch conceded a couple of penalties and Brighton charged forward, chunky wing Dayne Wipou exploiting a gap to cross easily. Scott Beckingsale’s conversion attempt failed to make the goal-line.

Two minutes later Wipou was over again after a defensive blunder by Christchurch from the restart inside Brighton’s territory. Wipou was handed the ball on halfway and had no-one to beat. While not the fastest wing around, he held off all pursuers in his touch-line run. Wing Misi Selave converted from the sideline to give Brighton an unlikely lead given what occurred in the first half.

Brighton continued its resurgence and kept Christchurch under pressure for most of the match. A forced error led to a gift intercept for loose forward replacement Ryan Hooper inside his own half. He charged clear, drew the last defender and beat him, but generously handed the ball to replacement back Aki Selave to score. Jason Sinclair converted from in front to give Brighton an insurmountable lead.

McCoy was Brighton’s stand out player, while the Meafou and Selave brothers defended solidly and were hard to stop with ball in hand. Centre David Jansons made several sharp runs and lock Lewis Pou was hard-working in the tight.

For Christchurch, Abbott, No. 8 Kieran Coll and lock Joel Everson grafted away up front, centre Scott Alfeld was dangerous at times, but handling let him down a little. First five-eighths Merrett has a prodigious boot and rescued his team several times as well as splitting the defence with astute running.

MVP: Aaron McCoy (New Brighton) 3, Dayne Wipou (New Brighton) 2, Jason Merrett (Chch) 1

Home vs Sydenham

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Game one in the money round... the boys were boosted with a superstar appearance from Bubba Keats.

NEW BRIGHTON v SYDENHAM

At Rawhiti Domain: New Brighton 45 (Jerry Meafou 2, Scott Beckingsale, Aaron McCoy, Daniel Karena, Rhys Keith tries; David Cattermole 3 conv, 3 pen) beat Sydenham 8 (Mark Simmons try; Tyrone Elkington pen). HT: 17-3. Referee: Blair York. Sinbin: Aki Selave (New Brighton).

New Brighton well and truly avenged its first round Cup loss to Sydenham with a 37-point win over a depleted Sydenham which had lost key players to injury and representative duty. Brighton welcomed back Hurricanes halfback Tyson Keats, who typically barked the commands and provided direction.

From the start, Brighton lay siege to the Sydenham line and the first of the seasiders’ six tries came after 10min when first five-eighths Scott Beckingsale strolled through an opening to dot down without a hand being laid on him.

Sydenham never really got into the game at any stage. Although the forward pack was competitive at the breakdown and scrums and forced some turnovers, it lost too many of its lineout throws and the backs threw ill-directed passes which only put men outside them in worse positions.

When the teams met in the first round, Sydenham turned around a big half-time deficit to steal the win, but there was no repeat offering on this occasion. New Brighton led, 17-3, at the break and that was extended to 23-3 with two David Cattermole penalty goals inside six minutes. Three more tries in the third quarter took the advantage to 40-3 and the game was as good as over.

The inevitable stream of substitutions in the last quarter affected Brighton more and its play lost its structure and some of the kicking became aimless, Sydenham seizing on one hopeful kick ahead to counter-attack and score a consolation try to replacement Mark Simmons in the corner. Unfortunately the scrappy finish ended with a scrap, players from both teams rushing to the fracas and Brighton replacement wing Aki Selave rightly sinbinned after joining in late and swinging a punch.

Captain and prop Mitch Alcock was to the fore in the strong Brighton forward showing with flanker Ryan Hooper covering well and robbing Sydenham of lineout ball when it was thrown deep. Centre Jerry Meafou’s hard-running was rewarded with two tries and Cattermole carved off some big stretches of ground with his raking touch-finders.

Captain Kalave Auali’itia tried to inspire his pack and Zion Tauamiti was the main lineout source, but this was not Sydenham’s day, the team down of direction and confidence.

MVP: Mitch Alcock (New Brighton) 3, Jerry Meafou (New Brighton) 2, Ryan Hooper (New Brighton) 1.

Bob Schumacher

Away vs Burnside

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Could NBC put together another strong performance on a cold Burnside Park?

At Burnside Park: Burnside 19 (Kieran Lindsay try; Mitchell Neutze conv, 3 pen, dg) beat New Brighton 15 (Misi Selave, Jerry Meafou tries; David Cattermole conv, pen). HT: 13-7. Referee: James Munro. Sinbin: Jerry Meafou (New Brighton).

A more committed Burnside upset front-runner New Brighton and relieved it of the DCL Shield in a scrappy, somewhat ugly, game. New Brighton led early after a Kieran Black bust down the left flank led to a try for wing Misi Selave which David Cattermole converted from wide out and it seemed as if the seasiders were continuing from where they left off from last week with their demolition of Sydenham.

However, it was not to be. The home team showed more grit and determination when it mattered most, especially on defence, bustling New Brighton into wrong options and silly errors that proved costly, turning the ball over or conceding kickable penalties.

Both sides were warned by the referee for repeated tackle-ball infringements and it was no surprise when New Brighton second five-eighths Jerry Meafou became the unlucky recipient of a yellow card late in the match.

Neither team played much rugby of note in this stop-start match which had a 45min first half and a 48min second half. Some heavy tackles, poor handling, misdirected kicking and little in the way of constructive moves blighted the game with neither side showing off their capabilities.

The goal-kicking of Burnside fullback Mitchell Neutze proved to be the difference in the end. A quickly taken drop goal in the dying seconds of the first half gave his side a somewhat flattering lead at the break, and his last successful penalty kick ricocheted off an upright and over, whereas his Brighton counterpart, Cattermole, had to watch his `poster’ bounce away.

Neutze showed a safe pair of hands at the back, but made little progress running into the backline. First five-eighths and captain Kieran Lindsay generally kicked well and scored his team’s only try under the bar in one of Burnside’s few attacks on the Brighton line. It was a well-taken try with Lindsay spinning over in two tackles. Burnside lock Pablo Huete leapt well in the lineouts, but both sides were guilty of poor throw-ins with several going directly to the opposition. No. 8 Tom Lindsay and second five-eighths were the standout players along with Kieran Lindsay and Neutze.

New Brighton will see this match as one that got away. Halfback Tyson Keats tried hard to engender some go-forward into the pack which struggled to make headway despite the best efforts of the loose forward trio of Black, Ryan Hooper and No. 8 Aaron Williams. The only time pressure was put on Burnside in the second half resulted in a well deserved try to Jerry Meafou. Replacement prop Sopoianaga Tikeri made several strong runs in trying to bash a path through a resilient Burnside defence.

Home vs University

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The NBC boys played well below their standards last week, would they turn it around at home against the students?

University v New Brighton

At Rawhiti Domain: University 30 ( Sam Lindsay 2, Tyler Hammond tries, Jamie Verran 3 conv, 3 pen) beat New Brighton 15(Tries Sopoianga Tikeri, Dayne Wipou tries, David Cattermole conv pen ) HT 27-3. Referee: Johnny Rice.

University virtually started the game with a 7 point bonus in the opening seconds when flanker Tyler Hammond charged down the New Brighton defenders clearing kick to score the opening try.

The students continued to dominate the half, playing some well constructed and attractive rugby while maintaining defensive patterns which effectively shut New Brighton down and held a commanding 27-3 lead at the break.

New Brighton were a transformed side in the second half, holding University scoring to a sole penalty goal, they disrupted the students pattern of play and began to play in a more cohesive manner which unfortunately did not materialize into the points required to threaten the University lead.

The seasiders did give their supporters some hope in the last quarter with the injection of fresh legs from the bench, but a consolation try to winger Dayne Wipou just before full time were the only points secured. University did suffer disruption behind the scrum with the loss of half back Sam Lindsay with what appeared to be a serious leg injury after 55 minutes, up until then Lindsay had been instrumental in guiding his sides attacking options and had scored 2 very good tries on his own account.

The opening University try was followed by two Jamie Verran penalties to give the students a healthy 13-3 lead after 10 minutes, before Lindsay scored his first try when they ran the ball, turning down the option to kick for goal from a handy penalty.

He was in again five minutes before half time after a strong run by lock Leiataua Limuloa created the space for Lindsay to complete the double. New Brighton were right back into the game from the restart when prop Sopoianga Tikeri produced a strong 20 metre gallop to the line which was converted by David Cattermole, unfortunately try as they might they were unable to add to that until the final minutes, when Wipou prospered from a clever Cattermole cross kick to touch down.

Interest was held in the appearance of University loose forward Luke Whitelock who entered via the bench after 10 minutes and did not disappoint with some strong hit ups with the ball, both locks Matt Moulds and Leiataua Limuloa had strong games and Hammond effective in tidying up in the loose. Before his injury Lindsay stamped his mark on the game with his option taking and strong running, full back Jamie Verran was his usual reliable self with a 100% kicking record.

New Brighton loose forward Aaron McCoy was a menancing figure with the ball in hand and produced numerous charges to his sides advantage, captain Mitch Alcock led from the front for a full 80 minute effort. David Cattermole was sound at first five displaying his fine kicking skills and winger Dayne Wipou a dangerous runner always on the hunt for opportunities

MVP Sam Lindsay ( University ) 3 points Aaron McCoy ( New Brighton ) 2 points Jamie Verran ( University ) 1 point

Stewart Taylor

Away vs HSOB

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

A couple of poor performances in recent weeks made this encounter clutch... could the boys beat the round one champions?

NEW BRIGHTON v HSOB

At Bob Deans 1: New Brighton 16 (Mitch Alcock try; David Cattermole conv, 3 pen) beat High School Old Boys 13 (Stephan van Gruting try; James Lash conv, 2 pen). HT: 13-3. Referee: Chris Wratt

The minute before half-time and the minute after the break proved vital for New Brighton. The seasiders scored their only try on the stroke of half-time which David Cattermole converted and he kicked a penalty goal on the resumption when Old Boys first five-eighths James Lash ran behind a wall of his player and was penalised as a consequence.

That had New Brighton ahead, 16-3, but it had to face the stiff southerly in the second half. However, Brighton defended tenaciously throughout the half, conceding just one try in the 73^rd minute when replacement Stephan van Gruting crossed on the short side after a series of forward drives on the Brighton line.

Neither team bowed the knee in the final hectic seven minutes, Old Boys looking to break out and Brighton maintaining its defensive commitment. In the last two minutes, Brighton kept it tight with the forwards protecting the ball zealously until the referee signalled time.

The first half turned into a good old-fashioned scrap with torrid forward exchanges and frayed tempers. Old Boys did well to keep the visitors scoreless until the last play when Brighton forced a scrum turnover and the backs and forwards inter-passed with captain and prop Mitch Alcock finally diving through a half gap to score.

Brighton flanker Ryan Hooper was outstanding at the front of the lineout and also a disruptive force at the breakdown where fellow loose forwards Aaron McCoy and Kieran Black were also effective. Locks Aaron Williams and Daniel Karena also got through a power of work. Halfback Rhys Keith passed well but kicked indifferently, and there was penetration from second five-eighths Fia Meafou, whose direct running often took him through the first line of defence, and little wing Misi Selave.

Old Boys tried often to get the ball wide, but they were knocked off their usual fluent game by the brutal Brighton tackling. Tim Bond and Andy Scarlett did their jobs well in the set pieces and halfback Ellery Wilson never took a backward step despite receiving plenty of attention.

MVP: Ryan Hooper (New Brighton) 3, Fia Meafou (New Brighton) 2, Misi Selave (New Brighton) 1.

Home vs Christchurch

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Total clutch game, one BP would be enough, were NBC going to a semi-final?

CHRISTCHURCH v NEW BRIGHTON

At Rawhiti Domain: Christchurch 18 (Kieran Coll 2 tries; Matt Thatcher conv, 2 pen) beat New Brighton 13 (Dayne Wipou try; David Cattermole conv, 2 pen). HT: 8-6. Referee: Johnny Rice.

New Brighton came within a whisker of crashing out of semi-final contention in an ugly game against DCL Shield holder Christchurch. Early penalties were traded by David Cattermole and Matt Thatcher, but in the set pieces, especially in the scrums, Christchurch was totally dominant, shoving the seasiders around at every put-in while its hard driving at the rucks and mauls upset Brighton’s rhythm.

Big Christchurch fullback, Thatcher, kept his team going forward with some huge touch-finders. In the 12^th minute Christchurch No. 8 Kieran Coll finished off a sustained period on attack by crashing over in the corner in a tackle.

Ten minutes later after a collapsed scrum and the ensuing ruck had been cleared, both Brighton locks, Aaron Williams and Daniel Karena, were left prostrate and unconscious after clashing heads with each other. Play stopped immediately as concerned staff rushed on the field and the match was delayed for 30min while two ambulances arrived, Williams being helped to the sideline and Karena taken to hospital.

The enforced break fired Brighton up briefly and it had a period on attack, but the only reward was another Cattermole penalty. Christchurch hit back on attack through a Kieran Kite intercept, but he was cut down from behind by wing Misi Selave. Brighton withstood 10min of intense pressure until half-time.

Aware at half-time that Burnside had taken maximum points from Sydenham, Brighton knew it must get at least one bonus point, but its defence was found wanting 2min after the restart when Coll, in a similar move to his first try, was driven over wide out. Thatcher converted and kicked a penalty which looked to have condemned Brighton to an early exit from the semi-finals race.

However, as many other visiting teams to Rawhiti Domain have found in the past, the home team never gives up lightly. The seasiders found new heart and worked into Christhchurch territory with the visitor conceding three consecutive penalties for silly misdemeanours.

Given a rare chance to attack with the ball, Brighton did with relish and while the forwards were unable to force their way over, right wing Dayne `Chunky’ Wipou outflanked the flailing arms of the last defender to score and Cattermole’s conversion closed the gap to five points with 17min to play.

Encouraged by loud support from their sideline faithful, Brighton lifted and finished the stronger, keeping Christchurch scoreless and gaining the valuable bonus point it needed to make the semi-finals.

For Christchurch, Coll, openside flanker Gary Redmond and prop Matt Groom were prominent, while young first five-eighths James Owens was elusive. Centre Scott Alfeld was a hard runner and Thatcher’s kicking was crucial.

Brighton’s loose forwards, Aaron McCoy, Ryan Hooper and Kieran Black were kept very busy, the revamped pack settled with the introduction of veteran prop Nick McMullan after the injury break and again the Meafou brothers, Fia and Jerry, proved hard to control in the midfield,.

MVP: Kieran Coll (Chch) 3, Matt Thatcher (Chch) 2, Ryan Hooper (New Brighton) 1.

Semi vs HSOB

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

New Brighton headed into the knock out semi-final on the back of some solid form, would this be enough to earn a fianl birth?

HSOB v NEW BRIGHTON

At Bob Deans 1: High School Old Boys 21 (Chris Small 2, Sam Ananie tries; Stephan van Gruting 3 conv) beat New Brighton 15 (Fia Meafou, Chris Young tries; David Cattermole conv, pen). HT: 21-3. Referee: James Munro.

Old Boys’ game plan was to pile on points early so as not to be caught short again by a feisty rival. The plan worked, but not without a power of second-half anxiety for the men in white as Brighton mounted a tremendous comeback.

Such was the threat Brighton posed after the break that when Old Boys finally got back into a hot attacking position with 6min left they kept the ball locked up in the forwards until the final whistle.

James Lash, playing at fullback, was influential as Old Boys enjoyed a deceptively cruisy first half. He set up the first try with a cunning little run that mesmerised Brighton defenders into holding off the tackle for a second or two, and created the third with a brilliant break from deep defence. It seems strange that Lash can’t make even the Colts squad for Canterbury, leaving Mid-Canterbury to recognise his talent and versatility.

The elusive Josh Taylor impressed on the left wing, ducking and diving his way through a staunch defence several times and Andy Symons was able to make headway at second five-eighths by a more direct route.

The imposing Old Boys pack, led powerfully in the tight-loose by captain Peter Chaplin, set the scene for the first half and No. 8 Hendrix Tui thrived on his chances to smash the ball forward. Openside flanker Tom Stanley shone a little less in open play than usual but soldiered on throughout despite having to leave the field twice in the first half after copping a head wound that leaked an alarming amount of blood.

Lock Tim Bond ranged wide to fair effect before being replaced by his coach, Reuben Thorne, at the break. Thorne had his work cut out trying to stem the Brighton tide. Andy Scarlett handled the full-time locking duties with merit.

If Brighton had managed to produce the converted try it needed to win – and it was on the cards – the special hero of the match would have been Aaron McCoy. The No. 8 impressed throughout, snaring a lot of lineout ball, matching Tui in the first half with his ball-carrying, and continuing the momentum until the bitter end.

Powerful, mobile lock Sopoianga Tikeri was another inspiration. It was perhaps significant that these two sat together on the sideline at the end as their team-mates went through the after-match rituals on the field.

First five-eighths David Cattermole had special moments on his own and controlled a backline in which the Meafou brothers, Fia and Jerry, were often dangerous. Fullback Jono Russell also gave Old Boys a fright at times.

MVP: James Lash (HSOB) 3, Aaron McCoy (New Brighton) 2, Peter Chaplin (HSOB) 1.

Jim Doyle