Croatian Cultural Society
of New Zealand (Inc).
Rugby
Croatian Rugby Vs Auckland Maori
Report by Michael Gugich - Manager NZCRU 15s Team
The New Zealand Croatian Rugby Union 15s team won a very physical game 24.14 against the Auckland Maoris in Dargaville on Saturday 17th October. After leading 9.0 at halftime through three penalties to halfback Caleb Brown (mother Milina) the NZCRU side came out in the second half and believed that they could win this game.
It only took five minutes before Caleb Brown scored a try and then another to left winger Simon Cripps (mother Jelas) and NZCRU led 19.0. The second half was more of a free flowing affair and NZCRU scored again through fullback Uros Mikic to extend the score to 24.0. The Maoris replied with two late converted tries to close the gap to 24.14. The game was a lively spectacle attended by around 500 spectators and among them were Labour MPs
Shane Jones from Kaikohe and Kelvin Davies from Kaitaia.
Player of the day awards were indeed very difficult to select. NZCRU player of day went to halfback Caleb Brown and Auckland Maoris player of day was lock Tauhua Maxwell.
Mario Vodanovich was a very proud captain holding aloft the Tarara Trophy with the victory being the first since 2003 after a 19.19 draw in 2007. Thank you to all who came and supported us in Dargaville.
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