The Chiefs are through to the semi-final.
Win this week, and it's the Grand Final!!
Unfortunately, Howick Hornets won't be in the running.
Their 2-16 loss to the Chiefs means they are eliminated.

What a mudbath!
The atrocious conditions meant the Chiefs were always on a slippery slope (in more ways than one!).
The state of the field negated our speedy backs and fitter forwards and enabled Howick to remain relatively close on the scoreboard.
There was always the danger that they might get a lucky try and cause an upset.
But a huge defensive effort from our boys ensured that didn't happen.

Saturday was not a day for slick passing, fancy footwork and fancy moves.
It was a day for hard slog, hard yards, hard grind.
It was a day for making the tackles count each and every time, then dragging yourself up out of the mud and doing it all again.
It was a day for digging deep, ignoring your screaming muscles and taking one more hit for the team.
It was a day to stand up and be counted!!

In some ways the weather could have been a blessing in disguise.
It forced our boys to dig deep and show that they had the grit and tenacity to overcome the adverse conditions.
It gave them a situation that tested them as they have never been tested before.
And they passed the test with flying colours.

Howick never really looked like scoring.
Whereas our boys could possibly have scored another two in addition to the four they did score.

Once again Quin showed that in those conditions FIELD POSITION is vital. His kicking game ensured good field position.
Holding the bar of soap they called a ball was almost impossible. So keeping hold of it (POSSESSION) was paramount.
Therefore, any errors (and there were heaps) needed to happen deep in enemy territory. This error rate built up PRESSURE.

In between the hard slog there were moments when the boys managed to display some degree of skill.
Ollie defied the underfoot conditions to fly in at the corner for a very good wingers try.
Christian showed he's not just in the team for his looks by creating a clever try for himself at close quarters.
And Quinnlan showed just what can be achieved if you are determined enough, when scoring his two tries.

In tough weather conditions certain qualities are brought out in players.
The qualities which coaches look for are: COURAGE, HEART and TENACITY.
Saturday provided an opportunity for these qualities to emerge.
What you as a player must ask yourself is.....'Did I man up?'

A tough win in tough conditions.
Congratulations boys.
Well Done!

Match Statistics:

Tries: Quinnlan (2), Ollie (1), Christian (1).

Conversions: Nil

Final Score: Chiefs 16 Vs Howick Hornets 2

Player of the Day: Tristan

Sportsman: Miller

Most Defence: Tristan

Tackle Count:

Tristan.....19
Sinapati.....18
Vaka.....18
Christian.....17