After a three week break from rugby Mt Albert Grammar 1st XV were away to play against Tamaki College who in previous years seemed to be an infamous bogey team.

However, the 2009 and 2010 teams got rid of this classification and a strong MAGS side overcame the odds. Playing at Tamaki College saw memories of the gameplayed in the storm two years ago. This was seen by the shaky start MAGS had throughout the first half.

Tamaki were first to score, taking advantage of an early MAGS mistake. However, it was the last points they would score for the remainder of the game. MAGS took the try as a wake up call and only improved from there. Score MAGS 0 - 5 TC

Great work in the forward pack and a string of great plays by the backs lead to MAGS gaining a penalty in the opposition 22.The lineout was taken and a great drive from the forwards saw Michael Faleafa score the first points for MAGS. The try was converted by Matt McGahan. Score MAGS 7 - 5 TC

The score remained the same for the rest of the first half with MAGS unable to convert plays into points and headed into the break with unfinished business.

Half Time Score MAGS 7 - Tamaki College 5  

MAGS begun the second half by gaining territory and playing down in the opposition half for long periods of time. It was not long before MAGS found form and added 10 points to the scoreboard with a Shaun Devine try converted by Matt McGahan as well as Matt McGahan successfully converting a penalty shot at goal. Score MAGS 17 - 5 TC

MAGS had now shaken off any worries from previous years and the three week break were now playing some excellent running rugby.    

MAGS applied pressure again to the Tamaki defense and crossed once again with a Tama Keresoma try converted by Matt McGahan. It didn't stop there, off the kick-off MAGS displayed tremendous skill, speed and strength running the length of the field with a try that had to be a contender for team try of the year. The try was finished off by Fred Stewart and converted by Matt McGahan who ended the day with 100% kicking stats.    

Overall a not so impressive start to the game saw MAGS rise to the occasion and present the goods in the end,defeatingTamaki College 31 points to 5.    

Next weeks game against De La Salle will be thelastgame before the play offs. It is being played at MAGS next Saturday, kickoff 2:30pm.      

Full Time Score MAGS 31 - 5 Tamaki College      

"Dominate" Player of the Day: Gafatasi Su'a    

Match report written by Albert Nikoro

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