From the Sidelines

Waitemata Premiers v Manukau Premiers

Williams Park, 25 April 2026

Well, you would’ve thought you were at a basketball game with a final score of 61–48 out at Williams Park.

The game again did not start well for us. A dropped ball at the first kickoff and, two minutes in, it was 7–0 to Manukau. Two more converted tries and a penalty made it 24–0 to Manukau, with not even 10 minutes gone.

Our defensive pattern, which a week ago against Ponsonby looked tight and aggressive, was now looking flimsy and weak. Manukau looked like a top-five side with their attack, and we just didn’t have any answers.

Halftime arrived and we were down 45–10, and it looked as if a century was going to be posted against us.

We didn’t start the second half well, conceding another try, and then something started to happen for our side. Holes began to appear, Manukau started falling off tackles, and passes began to stick.

Two quick tries and a bonus point—we couldn’t believe it. Then five unanswered tries, and all of a sudden we were nine points away with seven minutes to go. Could this unbelievable comeback produce a win? Alas, no. A couple more Manukau tries put the game to bed, but it didn’t stop our side from still producing a bit of magic. A lovely kick into open spaces by Matt, and Cooper Sinton, now playing on the wing, scored a great try, then another to conclude the game.

What can you say from that game? Number 10 Matt Dillon continues to impress, taking the ball to the line and creating space for his outsides. The number 8 and co-captain was a colossus—he just ran hard at the opposition, breaking tackles, and must’ve scored 3–4 tries. He was ably supported by his other two loosies, who really shone as the game went on.

I’m getting more impressed with 18-year-old Zenith McGrath (not one of the Westie McGraths, but from the West Island). He is small but plays with a big heart. Our new boy from Canada got on the field for the last 20 minutes and will develop nicely.

I also have to mention the Spanish halfback—when he came on, his service was slick and accurate, and again, he could test Cooper for the starting position.

Finally, I didn’t catch his name, but number 22, when given his chance, was a strong runner on the wing and could develop into something good. He just needs to tackle better.

The lineout operated a lot better this week, and although it still has its issues, we did get enough ball to implement a game plan. The scrum needs more work, as we have Marist and Grammar in successive weeks, who will be strong in that department.

A few of the Old Boys were there to watch, and it was good to see Terry and Vanessa always supporting. We were looked after by the two Bunce boys, Frank and Tony, as well as Club Captain Tony Barchard (grandson of the famous Kiwi coach Des Barchard).

Club President Charlie got a better offer by going to the soccer, but he tells me he’ll be there for the Marist game.

Moose, GK, Mark, and Clayton went to the Under 21 game vs Rifles and tell me we were unlucky to go down 28–25—a game they should’ve won. They play next week’s early game vs Marist, so let’s get a good crowd to support our boys in both games out at windy Mt Wellington Memorial. We play for the Jakich Vuksich Trophy this week, so it’s about time we bring that home.

Unfortunately, our Premier Development side got beaten by East Tamaki Prem 1 in a close battle on Saturday, so hopefully they can turn around some of their results.