College Sport: Fallon torn over World Cup

MAGS' Jordan Vale evades a tackle on the way to his side's 2-0 victory over Rangitoto. Photo / Supplied

Kevin Fallon is torn.

While he would dearly love to be in South Africa with his wife and daughter supporting the All Whites and watching his son Rory play, his dedication to his MAGS 1st XI and the school's academy programme has kept him at home.

"I had the opportunity to go but I stayed behind for the team," said Fallon. "I always knew it was going to be a tough season and the results have shown that.

"We have won by the odd goal at times and while we are back at the top at the moment it was been a case of grinding it out."

No more so than Saturday's 2-0 win over Rangitoto when they got home with an own goal and a penalty.

"But," said Fallon, "it was enough. I would certainly settle for an own goal and a penalty for the All Whites against Paraguay - wouldn't you?"

Fallon admits he has been surprised by the All Whites' showing.

"Very much so. It has been unbelievable. I have enjoyed it. The reaction has been amazing. When I was in the supermarket three or four people came up and wanted to talk about it. It has galvanised a nation."

And, as he pointed out, three or four years ago rising star Tommy Smith was playing for WBHS against MAGS.

"Amazing," said Fallon. "But that is what football is about."

ATHLETICS

Sacred Heart's Declan Wilson completed the tough Auckland-New Zealand Secondary Schools cross-country double with a strong run at Saturday's national championship in Waikanae.

Wilson headed Matt Baxter (NPBHS) by 11 secs with Cameron Bursall (AGS) another 11 secs back in third. Bursall led AGS to the three and six-person team titles.

David Lee (Pakuranga) also completed the same double as he led the junior field home in their testing 4km race. Lee led a clean sweep for Auckland schools with Magnus Whyte (AGS) and Finn Wilson (Sacred Heart) filling the minor placings. AGS were third in both team races.

There was not the same success for Auckland in the girl's races although Audrey Gregan (St Cuthbert's), second in the Auckland championships, won the Year 9 race with Auckland champion Alana Lythe (WGHS) third. St Cuthbert's were second to Tauranga GC in both teams races.

GYMSPORTS

Laura Furse (Pakuranga College) and Abigail Masters (St Cuthberts) showed out as top performers in the Gymsports Auckland secondary schools aerobics championships at the Raye Freeman Centre.

Furse won the sub-junior international and Masters the junior international grades, displaying their talents to a crowd of around 200 at EGGS.

In the junior A division Payton Woodmass (Botany Downs) took top spot with an impressive score of 17.5. She was followed closely by Amber Mullins (Baradene) and Ashleigh Pettifor (Botany Downs). Jessie Fromont (Sancta Maria) claimed the Junior B title.

In the level one competition - a mixture of 22 first-time and seasoned competitors - Sophie Sager (Strathallan) was a clear winner.

The team events were again dominated by Macleans College.

RUGBY

AUCKLAND

Kings retained the Fitzpatrick/Kirkpatrick Cup with a hard fought 27-20 victory over Sacred Heart.

It was an excellent effort by Kings as they backed up from the win over AGS and overcame the pressure of playing away on Sacred Heart's Old Boys and Family Day.

Kings had first use of a strong wind but a motivated and physical home team took early control and scored the first points when Jack Halpin landed a penalty. The visitors fought back strongly and were rewarded with two well-taken tries to centre Fa'asiu Fuata'i. Both were converted by Simon Hickey for a 14-3 halftime lead.

Sacred Heart again struck early with another Halpin penalty before Kings hit back with a try to fullback Simon Healy. Hickey converted for 21-6.

Sacred Heart then had their turn on attack leading to a try for hooker Kalafi Pongi which Halpin converted. Simon Hickey extended the lead with two well-struck penalties for a 27-13 lead.

Sacred Heart had the last say however when captain and No 8 Jordan Taufua scored a fine solo try. Halpin converted for a final 27-20 scoreline.

In top v bottom clash, runaway leaders MAGS were too strong for Aorere winning 48-0 after pouring on 36 points in the second half.

After an opening Damon Niko try, MAGS were well-contained and it was not until late in the spell that Sean Brookman touched down for a second try. Matt McGahan's conversion gave MAGS their 12-0 halftime lead.

After an unfortunate incident early in the second spell when Una Mohi ran straight into an Aorere player and left him out cold, the MAGS machine hit overdrive as McGahan (2), Alex Hodgman, Niko and man of the match Milford Keresoma all crossed for tries.

Tamaki scored the upset of the round beating second-placed KBHS 17-13. Playing at home and with the wind in the first half, Tamaki started strongly and went ahead when Viliami Puafisi dotted down and then converted his try.

A second Tamaki raid resulted in a try underneath the posts from a set piece move for Grady Hunt. Henry Tuatea converted for a 14-0 lead.

The teams traded penalties before the hosts went to the break 17-3 ahead.

The second half was even for the early part but KBHS poured on to attack for the last 20 minutes to score two well-constructed tries - scored by Jay Taulapapa and Alama Filimoni - but in failing to add the conversions they were left trailing 17-13 when the final whistle blew.

St Peter's were made to work hard for their 27-8 win over Otahuhu.

Played in heavy underfoot conditions the first half was an arm wrestle with both teams looking to gain the ascendancy. St Peter's prop Zac Moimoi stormed over the line late in the first half to provide the visiting team with a 10-3 advantage at the break.

In the second half, St Peter's found their rhythm and added a further three tries courtesy of Isaac Isaako, Bryn Hall and DJ Solomona.

Solomona's try came from the last play of the game to secure the bonus point.

St Peter's second five Blake Hall was named man of the match.

NORTH HARBOUR

Orewa College ended Westlake's winning streak with a 13-3 home win in the match of the round.

Andrew Fluker (Orewa) and Jacob Botica (WBHS) traded early penalties before Torin Rensford crossed for the only try of the match. Fluker added the conversion for a 13-3 lead to complete the scoring.

Both teams had chances in the second half but solid defence was the telling factor as Orewa held on to ensure they would finish second behind Westlake at the top of the table.

In the other 1A games Rosmini comfortably beat Rangitoto 26-7 and Massey edged TGS in a closer encounter 19-11. Mahurangi had the bye.

In 1B action Glenfield's winning streak also came to an end losing 10-11 to a fired up Birkenhead side. Kaipara ended Whangaparaoa's recent good run with a very convincing 34-5 win. Northcote thrashed Kingsway 69-0, Long Bay predictably beat Kristin 18-7 and Hato Petera celebrated their first win of the season over bottom-placed Albany 20-10.

THAMES VALLEY

In a torrid but entertaining encounter in front of a large crowd, Hauraki Plains College ended Mercury Bay Area School's season-long unbeaten run winning 12-8 at Whitianga to capture the Provincial Shield challenge trophy.

The home side led 8-7 at halftime after a try and a penalty goal to the prolific Regan Crosland, but Hauraki Plains College got up to win when James Marsters scored his team's second try, the only points of the second half, following Ryan Merrett's earlier try which was converted by Josh Barnett.

Thames High School produced their best form of the season to beat Paeroa College 64-0.

WAIKATO
The was no hint of an upset as the top two teams went on the rampage.

Waikato 1st XV front-runners St Peter's School were always in command against St John's College, eventually taking the match 46-8.

St Paul's Collegiate did even better, hammering Tokoroa's Forest View High School 83-0.

Making the most of home advantage, Hamilton Boys' High School, after leading 17-0 at halftime, ran out 27-10 winners against Palmerston North BHS in their second-round Super 8 encounter.

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