Pakuranga senior teams kicked off the 2023 competition season with two wins and a loss on Saturday. 

Kicking off proceedings at Bell Park, the Premier Development secured a first up win, 27-10 over Grammar TEC. 

Lanzte Davids was accurate off the boot, opening the scoring with an early penalty and knocking over 12 points in total with two penalties and three conversions. 

Antonio Tupou crossed for a long-range intercept try in the only try of the first half, while a strong running line from Sai Nasila saw him cross for a five-pointer early in the second. Brady Fletcher showed some toe to score under the posts late in the game to secure the result. 

Playing away from home, the Under 21s also locked in a victory, 22-10 over Eden. 

It was a particularly strong first half performance for the 21s, with four first half tries. Elkanah Petelo nabbed a double while Captain Gijsbert Els and Francis Morrison also got their names on the scorecard. First five-eighths Riley Harrison kicked one conversion. 

The Premiers had a tough first up encounter against Grammar TEC, going down 19-7. 

In wet conditions, coach Boof said the team were slow to adjust. 

“Both teams handling was poor, but we probably tried to play a little bit too much rugby in the first half. With ball in hand our passes were going to ground so we couldn’t get any momentum, in face, it gave them momentum.” 

Some positives came from the 10 debutants on show. 

“As a whole they were some of our best. In particular our young forwards – they brought big energy and provided the punch we needed to be competitive.” 

The focus going forward will be decrease the number of unforced errors. 

“We let too many opportunities slip – that is the main area to address. The accuracy of our passing, keeping calm – the belief is there so we need to be more accurate,” said Boof. 

Premier 7 (D Uili try, M Ngaruhe con) 

Grammar TEC 19 

Premier Development 27 (A Tupou, S Nasila, B Fletcher tries, L Davids 2 pen, 3 con) 

Grammar TEC 10 

Under 21s 22 (E Petelo 2, G Els, F Morrison tries, R Harrison con)

Eden 10

Article added: Wednesday 05 April 2023