Western Pioneers Exceed the Score Board ! !
After several weeks of procrastinating with the redesign of the Helensville scoreboard, the designers were left with a liberal dose of egg over their faces. They did not factor in the possibility that the red hot Century 21 Burmester Realty Western Pioneers would score a 100 – 8 victory over Glenfield, and thus require an extra column of numbers.
Fortunately for the young scoreboard attendant, the hundredth point did not come up until the 80th minute. He only had to hold the extra digit aloft long enough for the Fleet St journalists to photo graph the occasion, before calling time for the day and heading home for a well deserved coke and crisps.
There’s no real winner with a margin of 100-8. After being on the receiving end of similar score lines over the years, the Helensville and Kumeu supporters treated the big score in the Pioneers favour with a fair degree of humility. It is to be hoped that Glenfield can rally their forces and look forward to some more competitive matches this season.
Ironically Glenfield took an early 3-0 lead, as the Pioneers were slow to shift into top gear. When they did, they produced a polished display. They would be as fit as any team in the competition, the pace at which they the game is breath taking and their skill factor as good as any professional outfit.
Fou Tuivaiti, later named forward of the day, scored the first try and this was remarkably the only forward try of the 15 scored.
The Glenfield defence was mesmerised as the Pioneer’s backs pulled out all their party tricks – skip passes, dummy runners, reverse passes, outrageous off loads and exquisite footwork.
Regan Oxenham deservedly won the player of the day award with a 35 point haul. This bloke is as good a first five as there is in North Harbour. He had the ball on a string, whether he was kicking for position, clearing the “red” zone with long touch finders or cross kicking for the flying Charlie Luteru to gather and score in the corner. Throw in his ability to made incisive line breaks and send out copy book passes and you can see why the Western faithful sing his praises.
Half time arrived with a score of 60-3 .
It would have been easy for the Pioneers to lose their structure and focus in the second half as some of the subs were given their opportunity to impress. Glenfield did regroup to an extent, but as with the Mississippi, the stop banks can only last for so long. They did score a try from a well executed cross kick to their winger.
The Pioneers continued to score tries at regular intervals, until with 5 minutes remaining, and sponsor Jane Burmester promising a team shout for the players if the magical three figures could be reached, they required 14 points.
Captain Nalu Tuigamala scampered through and gave Ray Alo the ball to score under the bar, 93-7. Back they came, and with time up, Luteru scored his third for the day, mid way between the posts and the sideline.
With the large crowd of passionate Western Pioneers supporters anxiously holding their breaths, Oxenham, feeling their collective weight on his shoulders, calmly caressed the ball between the posts and the scoreboard attendant felt his headache coming on.
Final score 100-8
This column has in the past been critical of the man with the whistle. On this occasion no such criticism would be warranted. Luke Prangley is to be commended for letting the game flow and the players have the opportunity to showcase their considerable skills. He was the first to admit that the pace of the game tested his fitness levels, but he will be all the better for the experience.
All that was left was to enjoy the sponsor’s complimentary drinks, and catch up on the other results.
North Shore’s win over Massey meant that for the first time this season Western stands alone at the top of the competition, and if they can beat Massey next week, will almost certainly take out first round honours.
Not bad for a team that has just come together this season, developed its own culture and defied the local sceptics who thought it wouldn’t work. The large crowd at the game and the strong team spirit of the players are testament to the success of the venture.
Points scorers for the Western Pioneers
C Luteru 3, A Pritchard 3, R Alo 2, P Tuigamala 2,
R Oxenham 2, F Tuivaiti, G Walsh, N Tuigamala tries. Oxenham 11 conversions and 1 penalty
In the early game, the Western Pioneers defeated Glenfield 31 – 17. It was a much improved display and good to see a number of new players take the field.