WILDCATS tame the LION

WALL of MEAT

First round of the year and the WILDCATS took on ole foes the METRO LIONS. With Lewis Sinclair as QB and Danny Tixier calling the shots from he sideline we knew this was going to be a tough game. Any rumours of METRO being under strength and were simply that..rumours as the showed the came to play.

With the kick off under way the WILDCATS got first possession and drove the ball down to the 10 yard line but just werent able to convert those last few inches. This would be the tale of the day with the Offence being in striking distance time and time again.

First blood went to the D Line when Emani Suaesi once did what he does well and tackled the runner behind the line to get a safety. METRO came back on and answered with a good drive and crossing the line for a touchdown and then a successful point after. For the rest of the afternoon it was blow for blow as WILDCATS O and D wrestled up and down the field. Finally QB Lewis Sinclair was able to throw a forty yard reception to WR Jermaine Mafi…now the scores were tied 8 to 8 and it was back to the beat up on the field with time running out.

D LIne in action

Finally with 1.32 left in the last quarter the O line got again within striking distance..the decision was made to kick 30 yards for the field goal and finally take the lead..the kick was successful and the rest is history. Rhys Manukau kicked it sweet and after some debate the hands went up..and we were ahead 9 to 8.

The WILDCATS wee able to work the clock down and in usual fashion didnt take the knee and ran the ball till the final whistle. We have more work to do but are on task for our goal of getting our Kiwi Bowl Trophy back…Lighning are next up and its time to turn up the heat boys.

LIONS tame the WILDCATS

WILDCATS o LIne

After the past two months deciding as to wether we would have a Colts, team, it was decided only two weeks ago that the WILDCATS would field a Junior team only and grow these Colts through. With a number of our Colts not returning this made the decision that much easier. So the decision was made and two weeks ago nearly ten kids were all we had left. Miraculously Pastor Bob from a church In Papakura, turned up with a van load of boys and we have grown to a sweltering 25 kids registered for our Junior team. With a few trainings and missing the first round of games we set out last Sunday to tame a Lion..Metro Lions

Saga lead the team well as QB and for the first quarter we drove the ball well with #7 running up and down the field but unable to convert. Metro had the advantage of a game on us and it showed with some of the boys still not too sure what needed to happen. Our O Line did the damage and the running game went well. Unfortunately so did Metros running game and their #42 had a field day on us. In the end the battle was close with a hard fight on O and D.Two touchdowns to three and Metro take the win..this time anyways..Nect week we take on the Typhoons from Waitakere.

Kadence on the tackle

We would like to thank all the parents that turned up to support the boys and we really can’t do it with our your help each and every week. Coach Tyler and Coach Behlow will have their work cut out for them with Coach Scanlon supplying the work needed on the line. Also a benchmark for the club was the first game for avid supporter Kadence Suaesi #11. Kadence dad and uncle play for the Seniors and at 13 he is the youngest player in our Junior team but showed heart and determination in and amongst bigger boys..Cheers Kadence one day you will be as good as your dad.

COMETS WIN 8 MAN TORNAMENT

8 MAN GALDI8TORS WINNERS

The inaugural 8 man Gladi8tor tournament kicked off last week over in the north shore. With this being the first ever televised event, event coordinator and originator George Taulea was nervous as the tournament kicked off. The Comets drew first blood beating the Sth Auckland Raiders (Sabors) 26 to 0. Offence lead by QB Joe Taula settled after a few fumbles to gain composure and setup a 900 plus pound wall of protection. With OL Tom Wynne and the OL Matia brothers Behlow and Tyler Joe had time and opportunity to strike at will. WR/SF Cory Meleisea proving to sharp on defence and too sharp on offence scoring and shutting down plays on either side of the ball aided by Jemaine Mafi who also had a great day at WR.

With the passing game solid and very little running the Comets then played the Rage, and beat them soundly not having a point scored against them. Adam Strickland making excellent plays at WR with FB Will Tuipulotu and RB Mike Fepuleai barreling over for one of the few runs for the day. LB Niko Suaesi took command behind the defensive line adding the element of surprise to any potential runners time and time again. A fumble by the rage saw OL Tyler Matia run it back passing it laterally to TE Luther Clayton who had a great day on both sides of the ball only to fumble just before the line. With another win 20 to it was a rest as the decider to who would play us in the final was played next.

After a warm up and back on the field, defence once again dominated with DT Andrew Asaua, killing the center, and DE John Lauifata and Emani Suaesi amassing 7 plus sacks in that game alone. CR Chris Hogg kept the few passes committed by the SURGE uncatchable and kept Surge QB Justin McKenzie for very few rushing yards . With the final game over and the tournament finished the Comets won receiving the prize money and trophy. It was a team effort and everyone did their part on the day which is the way we Pacific Island players do it..family first. We look forward to the next tournament in early 2010 to defend our title as STEELDOME GLADI8TOR WINNERS.

8 MAN GLADI8TOR TOURNAMENT

8 MAN GLADI8TORS

The Papatoetoe WILDCATS will be entering a team into a new 8 man tournament devised and put together by Gridiron stalwart George Taulaealea. George has a long history with American Football and with graphic design, video and media post production. George has been able to secure TV and media coverage for the game which will showcase the sport like never seen in NZ before.

With a few changes to the rules: 16 man roster, four downs to the half and four to the goal line, the format looks to be a high scoring action packed 20 minute halves. With QB Joseph Taula fresh back from another season n the AF2 the WILDCATs are confident they can capture the attention and prize money up for grabs. So leave OCTOBER 17th free for some fast paced action on the gridiron. The WILDCATS will be playing under the COMETS banner for the night with a few players also from other teams. Should be a great night for all involved.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

NEW YEAR NEW SEASON

With last year well and truely behind us its a new year and a new season for the WILDCATS. Trainings have started a nd have been light until this weekend when we really kick the new season off. Trainings are now moved to Papatoetoe RUGBY and will be :

Tuesdays – 4.30 – 6.30pm for Colts and Juniors – 6.30 – 8.30pm Seniors

Thursdays – 4.30 – 6.30pm for Colts and Juniors – 6.30 – 8.30pm Seniors

Saturdays to be advised.

Season starts 14th of November and first game up for Colts and Seniors is the Metro Lions…

WILDCAT in QUEENSLAND

MIKE # 55

Just when you thought it was safe to get your picture taken…and well well well..our very own WILDCAT Mike Tia has been fouind alive and well and kickin it with the Queensland State side, the Sundevils in a tournament game against an Arizona team brought annually to Queensland by coaches Care.

Good to see you Mike and hope all is well. Glad to see the blood red helmet of the WILDCATS representing on both sides of the Tasman. We wish Mike well over in Queensland and as he would say ” touch your B@lls”..

Wildcat represents at Junior World Cup

#8 Nicodemus for NZ against France.

Despite five Wildcats making the trip to Australia to beat Australia and win the opportunity to play in the inaugrual World Cup. Only John Nicodemus CB for the Wildcats was able to get the funds together to compete in the tournament. Despite a poor showing against heavy weights Canada and Germany New Zealand did better against France with a great drive and touchdown in the third quarter. John had the experience of a lifetime and we appreciate all the support from his family to get him there.

Albert near playoffs and Joe coming Home.

Albert Bernard is enjoying his stay with the Iowa Barnstormers and they used an intimidating defense to improve to 10-4 on the season with a 69-37 victory over the Milwaukee Iron Saturday night before a crowd of  9,415 fans at Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Field.  The victory combined with Green Bay’s loss at Quad City leaves the Barnstormers just one victory shy of clinching the af2’s Midwest Division Championship. Milwaukee falls to 5-9 on the season with the loss.

Joe QB

In Fresno California as Taula entered his first professional football game as a quarterback, he drew praise, encouragement and admiration from his Coyote teammates. The heavy hearted Taula responded by throwing two touchdown passes in attempt lead a Coyote comeback. However, Taula’s efforts weren’t enough as the Lightning eliminated the Coyotes from playoff contention for the first time since 2005. Jo will be heading home due to unforseen family circumstances.

Jordan Scanlon in All Star Game

Jordan #72

Our very own Jordan Scanlon who has been at CHSM Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary School for the past four years has been selected to play in the 605 All Star Classic game coming up in June.

Jordan under the tuttilage of Coach Pete Smolin has been with the Cardinals playing rugby and Football and has been starting center and lineman with the Varsity team. Jordan has done well while being away from home and by all accounts from Coach Smolin and in speaking with Jordan he has been a champion on and off the field.

We congratulate Jordan in what will be his last year at CSHM and the team, which won the 2008 Camino Real League Championship and wish him all the best for the 605 AllStar Classic Game on June 6th. The All Star game is the best of the best in the Southern California area East playing West.

We would also like to thank the family that have supported and billited Jordan during his time at CSHM as well as the CSHM school Staff and Coaches, Coach Smolin and all of those that have made Jordan’s stay in Southern California a memorable one.

ALBERT doing well in IOWA

#40 BERNARD

Record-Setting Crowd Sees Stormers win 73-68 DES MOINES – Papatoetoe WILDCAT Albert Bernard got to play in the first ever home game for the IOWA BARNSTORMERS 2009 season with a record-breaking crowd of 11,627.A far cry from the few that watch the games at Bay Roskill here in Auckland each and every year. Fans witnessed an offensive explosion as new starting QB Brian Villanueva threw for seven touchdown passes and ran for two more as the Iowa Barnstormers improved to 2-0 on the young season in a 73-68 win over the visiting Tulsa Talons (1-1) as a late Tulsa rally ended four yards short of the endzone as time expired.

According to Barnstormers team officials, tonight’s attendance of 11,627 is the largest crowd to ever witness an arena football game in the state of Iowa. Villanueva (24-39, 244 yards) outdueled Talons QB Justin Allgood (31-42, 406 yards), who threw for nine scores. Albert was playing special teams in #40 and had good game time for the barnstormers. We will keep in touch with Alberts progress through the season.