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Sema Mataora And His Flash Fends
By BIG-STEVE
BIG STEVE'S RED AND BLACK SITE - 2/6/2004
For most of the season the North Sydney Bears Premier League team has usually taken centre stage as the main match on the day. However an over worked pitch at Aussie Stadium gave coach Josh White’s entertaining and flashy Jersey Flegg side the chance to star in a stand alone match under lights on Friday night at Bear Park.
The Bears came up against an undefeated Roosters determined to keep their record.
The Bears on the back foot conceded two trys in the first half. Norths had to contended with a through the middle onslaught by the Roosters.
But salvation came in the form of Bears centre Sema Mataora. Sema scored an impressive barging try via an assault that included a super strong and skilful fend leaving the Rooster flat on his back and out to the world.
Scott Heap was impressive with a conversion kick from the sideline making the score 8-6 at the 30th minute.
Then a tremendous individual try by Tim Woodbine left the Roosters floundering. Another outstanding kick from the sideline gave the Bears the lead 12-8 at half time.
However the Roosters returned fire with their down the middle attack scoring two converted trys. Then the Bears found form again finally achieving their game plan making way for Justin Deitch to score. Scott Heap was again successful with the conversation making it 20-18 to Sydney City.
10 minutes to go on the clock a seemingly minor headhigh tackle by Norths Tane Tutaki inexplicably resulted in his send off. Meanwhile no one in the crowd could be found that agreed with the decision!
With the Roosters on the attack the 12 Bears managed to keep them at bay. Penalties then began to flow to Norths including a penalty kick again from the side line by Scott Heap making the score 20 all.
In the final 10 minutes the Roosters regained control and not only ran in a try but were successful with a field goal. Final score 27-20.
“The effort was there but we didn’t stick to our game plan” said Norths coach Josh White. “They played alright but did not do the things that were needed.”
Josh named Bobby Bright and Sema Mataora as standouts. Of special note was Sema’s two skilful and devastating fends. In the first half resulting in a try and again in the second. Both fends left the respective Roosters dazed and legless. “He’s been in impressive form” said Josh White.
Also Josh mentioned Lee Tamarri and Jason Deitch for their effort in the second half.
Next week the Bears play Illawarra a game that has special interest for Josh White having played with them in the 90’s.
Sydney Roosters 27 (J Soward 3, P Taylor, C Conway tries A Hopoate 2, J Soward goals, J Soward field goal) defeated North Sydney 20 (S Mataora, T Woodbine, J Deitch tries S Heap 4 goals) Previously reported as 31-20
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By BIG-STEVE
BIG STEVE'S RED AND BLACK SITE - 2/6/2004
Sema
Mataora celebrates a try after a spectacular fend that left the his
opponent flat on his back. Photo:
STEVE LITTLE
For most of the season the North Sydney Bears Premier League team has usually taken centre stage as the main match on the day. However an over worked pitch at Aussie Stadium gave coach Josh White’s entertaining and flashy Jersey Flegg side the chance to star in a stand alone match under lights on Friday night at Bear Park.
The Bears came up against an undefeated Roosters determined to keep their record.
The Bears on the back foot conceded two trys in the first half. Norths had to contended with a through the middle onslaught by the Roosters.
But salvation came in the form of Bears centre Sema Mataora. Sema scored an impressive barging try via an assault that included a super strong and skilful fend leaving the Rooster flat on his back and out to the world.
Scott Heap was impressive with a conversion kick from the sideline making the score 8-6 at the 30th minute.
Then a tremendous individual try by Tim Woodbine left the Roosters floundering. Another outstanding kick from the sideline gave the Bears the lead 12-8 at half time.
However the Roosters returned fire with their down the middle attack scoring two converted trys. Then the Bears found form again finally achieving their game plan making way for Justin Deitch to score. Scott Heap was again successful with the conversation making it 20-18 to Sydney City.
10 minutes to go on the clock a seemingly minor headhigh tackle by Norths Tane Tutaki inexplicably resulted in his send off. Meanwhile no one in the crowd could be found that agreed with the decision!
With the Roosters on the attack the 12 Bears managed to keep them at bay. Penalties then began to flow to Norths including a penalty kick again from the side line by Scott Heap making the score 20 all.
In the final 10 minutes the Roosters regained control and not only ran in a try but were successful with a field goal. Final score 27-20.
“The effort was there but we didn’t stick to our game plan” said Norths coach Josh White. “They played alright but did not do the things that were needed.”
Josh named Bobby Bright and Sema Mataora as standouts. Of special note was Sema’s two skilful and devastating fends. In the first half resulting in a try and again in the second. Both fends left the respective Roosters dazed and legless. “He’s been in impressive form” said Josh White.
Also Josh mentioned Lee Tamarri and Jason Deitch for their effort in the second half.
Next week the Bears play Illawarra a game that has special interest for Josh White having played with them in the 90’s.
Sydney Roosters 27 (J Soward 3, P Taylor, C Conway tries A Hopoate 2, J Soward goals, J Soward field goal) defeated North Sydney 20 (S Mataora, T Woodbine, J Deitch tries S Heap 4 goals) Previously reported as 31-20
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