Game 6 v Papatoetoe June 9

What a fiasco this game was, if you ever wanted to turn players, parents etc off the game then the display the referee gave was pathetic. Nearly every scrum was awarded in favour of the home team, nearly every advantage and penalty was awarded to the home team. When Howick was hot on attack the scrum went to the home team time and time again. The game ended in a bizarre way with the ref calling the game off minutes before full time because he hsaid he had to go to another game ! Please i might be getting a bit older in the tooth but i aint that stupid. Final score was 14 to 10 to Papatoetoe. I am sure this is not the last we will hear from this game and i'm sure Auckland Rugby will hear a lot more about it.

Game 5 vs Glenora 3rd June

Every now and then a game can take on a life of its own, a keen spectator can become a crazed fan, a try or goal scored with time running out can take on a whole new meaning. Even before the kick off I noticed both teams eyeing each other up tentatively. This was going to be one of the games of the season.

Howick started well and scored first. Good pressure by Howick and a clean break and Howick were up by 10. Glenora came back well and scored and converted the score 10 – 6. By half time Howick were ahead 16 to 6. If the 1^st half belonged to Howick the second half was nearly all Glenoras. Outstanding attack with Glenoras forwards laying the platform led to several tries and Glenora taking the lead late in the game 22 -20.

However Howick showed why they are such a good team and came back almost in the last minute to take the game and win 24 to 22. Well done to both teams a great game of rugby league.

Game 4 vs Te Atatu 20th May

After a bad run of weather in recent weeks today was an excellent day for rugby league. Conditions were a little slippery underfoot but the sun was out, the sky was clear and the supporters were looking forward to an exciting game.

From the starting kick off Howick were on fire and scored within the first minute. It seemed this was going to be the pattern for the game, fast and furious. Te Atatu to their credit defended well and made some telling breaks. Relentless pressure by Howick in the first half and carried on into the second half eventually led to Te Atatu's defences cracking. The tide of blue and yellow finally overwhelmed Te Atatu and the final score was 42 points to 4.

Game 3 vs Hibiscus Coast / ECB - 6th May

Well it was quite a trip to Stanmore Bay and playing against the Hibiscus Coast / ECB Raiders at their home ground. However for those that made the trip across the bridge it was well worth it. Another outstanding game of rugby league by the Hornets. Aggresive attack and punishing defense paved the way for a great win. Again it was another of those games where it was hard to keep up with all the action. Final score was 52 points to 10. Match statistics and players of day will follow shortly. Well done Howick Hornets U16. Take a look here for more photos.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hhu16/

Game 2 vs Te Atatu 8th April

Another outstanding game for the Howick Hornets who had to work a lot harder for the win this weekend. Howick started tentatively and handed Te Atatu some easy possesion early in the first half. However excellent defense by Howick resulted in a change of fortune and it wasnt long before Howick scored. Then came a period in the game where Howick poured on the pressure and scored several tries to open up a good lead. Te Atatu to their credit came back and scored their own first half try.
Into the second half and both teams worked a lot lot harder at their defense and the game went to & fro with both teams threatening the line. However it was Howick who finished the game stronger and ran out eventual winners. The final score was 36 points to 12.
Players of the day for How

Game 1 vs Glenora 1st April

Game 1 vs Glenora
From the starting kick of the game the Hornets had the look of a very well prepared team and were hungry for action. In the first half the team scored several well constructed tries, tackled hard and ran away with the game in the second half. The final score was 84 points to 6.

As a spectator and a photographer it was hard to keep up with all the tries that were being scored by Howick! As a Howick supporter and having a son in the team I was very pleased with the style of game they played and the win.

I was a little disappointed with Glenora and their lack of defense, however that had a lot to do with the quality of Howick's attack, the pressure they put on the opposition and their level of fitness.

Standout players from the Howick Hornets were Keith & Josh players of the day and tackler of the day Jeremy Campbell. Overall an excellent start to the season. Could be another big year for Howick.
Game review Ross Campbell