After an indifferent start to the season, the U13 Pumas have been growing stronger each week.  The team was thrilled to attract players who had been away from rugby for a number of years and even a few newbies.  Initial trainings and games were ropey, but under the wise direction of coaches Damon and Mark, the Pumas are close to hitting their straps.

After 9 rounds, the Pumas have earned a record of 5 wins and 4 losses.  Round 10 saw us drawn against a Ponsonby side who we had not played for a number of years.  After much confusion around the venue, we arrived at a mist filled main stadium at Western Springs.  Kicking off in almost zero visibility, the first exchanges were untidy at best.  The fog lifted quickly, as did the efforts and skills of the Pumas.  Holding their game shape, these young men ran in 55 points to 5.  The forwards dominated up front and the backs were clinical in their delivery of the win.

On the back of this performance, the Pumas were filled with confidence going into Saturdays game against Calton White.  Having edged them out earlier in the season, there was a feeling that we could take control of this exchange.  Apparently, Calton White had differing ideas.  Having lost our first five earlier in the week to an injury sustained in an unsanctioned trampolining session, our second choice first five called in sick on the morning of the game.  This forced a number of radical position changes.  This translated into challenges across the park.  The only highlight in the early part of the competition was Arno crossing for a try in style.   The Pumas went to half time 7-12 down.  Things went downhill quickly in the second half with Carlton running in 4 unanswered tries. Only after a tough conversation behind the posts around club pride and not letting our heads drop did a too late comeback transpire.  Arno crossed again with a combination of brute force and finesse.  Jackson also regained some dignity with a gritty try in the closing minute of the game.  The final score a 19-34 loss.  It was a tough day at the office for the Pumas, but special mention needs to go to Zayan for his ferocious defence around the ruck.  Hugo was an absolute champion as the last line of defence at full back.  The score would have been far more humbling without his brutal scrambling tackling.

As we close in on the end of the season, we have a very exciting trip to the Queenstown Junior Festival of Rugby planned.  This seems a fitting send off for this group of players in their last year of Junior rugby at the club.

Article added: Wednesday 07 August 2024