Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions Shaquille Jakeman charges up field against Counties Manukau Stingrays. PHOTO/ ANDREW WARNER
Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions Shaquille Jakeman charges up field against Counties Manukau Stingrays. PHOTO/ ANDREW WARNER
The Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions have been taught a rugby league lesson by the Counties Manukau Stingrays at Tauranga Domain.
The visitors simply had too much fire power across the paddock, and with a distinct edge in ruck speed found very little difficulty in dominating territory and possession on their way toa 68-0 win.
Powerful winger Tomas Aokae started the rot with a well taken try down the left in the opening moments, and the Stingrays never looked back.
They ran in 12 tries in all, including long-range stunners, second-man plays and soft efforts through the middle of the Stallions' forward pack.
Halfback William Stowers had a hand in almost everything, scoring a brace and kicking 10 goals for a haul of 28 points. The left side was particularly potent, where centre Mapa Tuipulotu had his way with the defence on the way to a powerful hat-trick.
Fullback George Edwards and backrower Eko Malu were equally impressive, underlining why the Stingrays are considering among the favourites to win the title.
Counties Manukau Stingrays 68 (Tomas Aoake 2, Eko Malu 3, George Edwards, Filipine Jacob Aki 2, William Stowers 2, Mapa Tuipulotu, Terence Phillips; Stowers 10 cons) Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions 0. HT: 32-0.
