League: Teamwork clinches it for Academy

Adam Blair XIII player Xavier Johnson flicks a pass away in his side's encounter with the Warriors Academy team at Lindvart Park, Kaikohe.Photo / Rugby League Northland

The Warriors Academy team put on a 40 minute, second-half, blitz to dominate the NorthTec Adam Blair XIII 44-16 at Kaikohe's Lindvart Park.

However, it wasn't all plain sailing, with both teams level, 16-16, as the oranges came out at halftime.

In a sun-drenched and festive atmosphere, a healthy crowd flocked to Central Park in Kaikohe to cheer on the NorthTec Adam Blair XIII who had the early flow of the game, going out to 10-0 lead with tries to James Witahira and Caleb Aekins.

But the Duane Mann coached Warriors team soon found their second wind, scoring three quick tries.

Nabil Loto'Ahea (with the ball) attempts to evade a Warriors defender.

The Warriors Academy, who are the next tier of contract Warriors players outside of their Under-20s Toyota Cup team, demonstrated how to work as a team and control the game.

Even though they were physically smaller than their Northland opposition, they were dominant defensively and worked together in twos and threes.

What the Warriors side lacked in the first half, they made up for it in the second half.

The visiting side stacked 26 unanswered points on to the scoreboard, thus drowning out the hopes of a comeback from the Adam Blair team.

"Considering we only had a couple of trainings, we did really well," Adam Blair XIII coach Jim Larkin says.

"One of the issues was that after the first half we never found a rhythm. We had a large squad (26) and as such I had to give everyone a run which I think did affect our flow.

"They (Warriors) were a well-trained team with some talented individuals, the Warriors don't give out contracts to just anyone."

Larkin heralded performances from Whangarei Boys' High School's Caleb Aekins, Kamo High School's James Witahira, fullback Kane Pomare from Dargaville High School, and Kaitaia College's Ranapari Tau at prop and Brody Tamarua as having standout performances.

"All these boys, if given the chance, could play NRL," he said.

If anyone can pick them, Jim Larkin can as he coached Penrith Panthers Elijah Taylor and Sam McKendry in their teens.

Warriors Academy coach, Kiwi and Warriors legend Duane Man was happy with his team's performance.

"It was great to be tested as we were. We have been training for a while. I was really worried after the first 20 minutes, your boys came at us with some real intensity." He noted the performances of Aekins and Witahira as outstanding.

For more photos of the Adam Blair XIII in action, go to www.facebook.co.nz/northernswords.

-Warriors Academy 44 (Daymon Abbey 2, Elijah Sufia, Troy Pulupaki Elijah Sufia, Dylan Tavita, Jarel Hemahema, Siave Togiou tries; Daymon Abbey, Jarel Hemahema, Dylan Tavita 3, conversions). Adam Blair XIII 16 (James Witahira, Josiah Atkins, Jayd Kapa tries; Jayd Kapa 2 conversions). HT: 16-16.