RAIDERS RAIDED

WILDCATS D FENCE

The Papatoetoe WILDCATS took to the field to play perennial South Auckland stalwarts the Sth Auckland Raiders. After last years semi final defeat in the rain, the WILDCATS were ready to settle the score and show who really was the powerhouse south of the Mangere Bridge.

Blow for blow the Sth Auckland Raiders through everything at the WILDCATS offence with MLB Kevin Palalagi making his presence felt. None the less the “wall of meat” was impenetrable and soon the points started amassing on the score board.

Once again Offensive Coordinator Danny Tixier let loose his simple yet effective power running game giving Guso and Mike the opportunities they needed to make the yards and step through to the end zone. D Fence were not to be left without scoring and two picks from D provided a score reflecting the work on both sides of the field. A nice touch down by TE Joseph Taula added a little more spice to the mix and the final score was 36 – 0.

The WILDCATS happy with the shutout have set the benchmark for the season. Playing not as individuals or

no you dont!

superstars we do everything as a family. All get to play and all take the field. No one better than the other. Again we would like to thank all the supporters and families that stayed back after the Juniors game to watch the Seniors solidify their place at the top of the table going into round five.

Unfortunately our Juniors went down to the Raiders who put up a valiant game and showed what can be done at the Junior level. To our boys again its work hard train hard and the rest will come. Thanks again to Coach Tyler, Coach Behlow and Coach Scanlon for their continued efforts with our Junior program. They are the WILDCATS of the future and the future of our club.

As always we want to thank the parents who without your support we would not be able to field a JUnior team each and every week. Next week the North Harbour Pride at Harvey Wright.

checkout the Article in this weeks Mankau Courier

WHO ARE WE…WE ARE WILDCATS

D ON ATTACK

Well there may not have been 300 down at Mount fort Park, but by about 300 seconds into the game…Basil Boom Boom had scored his first defensive touchdown and snatched the ball from the Spartans QB running ten yards in slo mo taking the score to 6-0 in the first five minutes.

After a harrowing game for the WILDCATS Juniors, not helped by an over officious referee who decided maybe 30 flags might help the game flow…the WILDCATS Seniors were definitely ready to settle a score. With a number of the brothers in Red, now playing for the SPARTANS we knew it was going to be a good game and played in good spirits.

Mike Fepuleai and Guso at RB and FB  had a great day with Mike running the ball in for as many as five touchdowns and Guso barreling up the field either blocking for Mike or making great yards. Kicker AntonVab De Weele “socer” kicking all but one of the point afters is racking up the points as we go into the third round.  Anton has proved an invaluable kicker for the WILDCATS and brings that cultural element being the only palagi on the team. We thank him for that richness.

Phil at QB for the SPARTANS proved as elusive as ever and despite the score and a safety, was able to pass on the WILDCATS defence and score the only points for the SPARTANS that day. THE WILDCATS were able to unleash their arsenal for the day as well as a well-kept secret weapon. With the sore at close to 42 to 6, and the point after field goal team at the ready. None other than Center Jordan Scanlon, came out to kick the field goal and with a steady eye nailed the football through the posts.

D SWARM

The game ended like it started in good spirits and we would like to thank the team of ladies that cooked sausages and bread for the WILDCATS Juniors and supporters and Senior team. Your help is very much appreciated. The Scanlon family for the water taken care of every week and to all the parents and family that show up each week to support the club.

The WILDCATS are a family team, and we appreciate all the members of our family that help to make it work . Without you it couldnt be done.. a well done 52-6 for the Seniors and 14-26 for the Juniors. Next time Juniors we wil take it to the house..

LIGHTNING STRIKES in the third quarter.

Lightning muster to try and score against the WILDCATS

Game 2 saw the Red machine, take on the Tamaki lightning in a game that would to and from throughout a very warm day. With Danny Tixier at the helm the offense was in the mood for scoring some points. After last weeks win over the Lions 9-8, we needed to rack some up to help the top of the table which  was being crammed by at least four clubs. With Lewis Sinclair at Qb, the offense were able to keep the defense off the field for most of the first half if not the first quarter. With the score at 14 to 0, the Lightning had not yet been able to score, and the WILDCATS had run continuous reverse plays plus a sneaky fake punt to get some points on the board.

At the half time Coach Boon gave yet another unforgetful speech and put the boys in good spirits for the second half. With the Lightning receiving the ball we were set for another great half. Unfortunately the lightning got their wind up in the third quarter and were able to score twice into the same corner with short twenty yard passes. Who was that corner? So the WILDCATS did what they do well, and rallied together

Nacho libre...touchdown

together and worked the ball down field until Rookie RB,Dan Samuta aka  “Nacho Libre” was able to score. Unfortunately no one told him he just had to cross the line with the ball and in true rugby style placed the ball down for an “actual” touchdown. Good on you Dan and if we had a player of the day it would have gone to you..but at the WILDCATS we dont have player of the day because TEAM wins games and we dont have superstars or special people in our TEAM..except our beloved Coach Boon of course who is our secret half time weapon.

So the WILDCATS went down 28 to 14 and the Lightning were happy to score twice in the third quarter leaving the WILDCATS to ponder as to how they will go next week against the SPARTANS. ps. Number 66 did only hold once and the second one was a mistake by the ref that he is willing to put in writing…Gee thanks Kev! The WILDCATS Juniors won 6 to 0 shutting out the Typhoons with some questions around the officiating and the three disallowed touch downs..but het thats football.!

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.