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.