The heat is on.
Teams are now in a 'do or die' situation.
Their efforts reflect that desperation.

Otahuhu Rovers tried hard but just didn't have the fire power on the day.
They will now drop out of the playoffs.
The Chiefs however are still on target for a top 2 playoff (top 2 get a life).

On Saturday the boys started poorly.
Simple errors resulted in turnovers at the wrong end of the field and shoddy defence resulted in 2 'soft' tries to the Rovers.
It took those two tries to shock the boys into the realisation that the opposition were fighting for their season and the game was not going to be a 'walk in the park'.

Once the Chiefs started employing the '3 P's' things took a turn for the better.
The 3 P's:
* Possession....Holding the ball and completing sets. Getting to our kicks. This means the opposition have
to make more tackles thus becoming more fatigued and more prone to errors.
* Position....This relates to field position. If the game is played deep in the opposition half, then any errors
they make will have them on the defensive. A good kicking game will gain you good field position.
* Pressure....Do the first 2 P's well and the opposition will be put under pressure. Good aggressive defence
will add to that pressure as will a varied and well planned attack.

By doing the above the boys were able to carry out their game plan a lot more effectively.
The big boys were able to make some telling hit ups which the quicker backs were able to capitalise on.
Ball movement was more fluid, therefore creating a wider area of threat and the result was a comfortable win.

Although all the boys contributed to an improved team performance, there are some who deserve a mention.
Sinapati (aka Junior), chosen to fill the big boots of Rocky, is doing a great job. His remarkable workrate and high tackle count would make his mentor proud.
Vaka and Greyson continue to impress with their high energy games as do PJ and Ollie.
But it was Quinnlan with his sound kicking game, his very good defensive effort and shrewd tactical sense that contributed much to the win.

The aim of the team is to improve each week.
I feel they did that, but they will need to maintain or even increase the rate of improvement if they are to successfully defend their title.

Game Statistics:

Tries: Pelu (1), B-Man (1), PJ (1), Ollie (2), Christian (1).
Conversions: Quinnlan (4).

Final Score: Chiefs 32 Vs Otahuhu Rovers 11

Player of the Day: Quinnlan

Sportsman: Tristan

Most Defence: Sinapati

Tackle Count:

Sinapati.....25
Quinnlan.....21
Greyson.....21
B-Man.....14
Pelu.....14