Wombats Hold Out Plucky Bulls
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 9:17 am
In an entertaining and bruising encounter at Uni Oval today, last years’ Grand Finalists Avondale recorded their second win of the year holding out a never say die Bulls outfit 24 – 16. Leading 14 – 0 at half time, a very physical Avondale side looked to be heading for a big win. But a determined effort from a committed Uni team kept the result in doubt right up the final whistle.
The first twenty minutes of the match saw both sides fully test each phone number library others defense with plenty of ball movement but the tries didn’t come. After both sides failed to score from penalty attempts the first try came to Wombats winger Ryan Lonsdale after 20 minutes following some typical Avondale razzle dazzle play. Five minutes later Wombats were in again after a scintillating raid down the left ended center meters from the Bulls line. The ball was spread quickly from the ensuing ruck for Andre Itula to cross wide out on the right without a hand laid on him for Avondale to go ahead with the conversions from Joe Aiono 14 – 0.
Within 10 minutes of the second half starting Uni fullback Donavon Nepia slotted two penalty goals to get his side back in the match at 6 – 14, with the Bulls showing that the match was far from decided. Minutes later hard working Wombat front rower Roger Cairns burst over the line to score a rare 5 pointer after a sustained forward drive by the Wombats. With Aionos conversion Avondale were out to a 21 – 6 lead, and seemingly back in control. But the Bulls would have nothing of that and with a further penalty goal to Nepia the margin was 11 with Uni on the attack and having the better of play. Then inspirational Uni No.8 Paul Tuala found some space in center field and embarked on a strong weaving run to pull clear of the defense and score under the posts. With Nepias conversion the margin was down to five at 16 – 21.
The pace and intensity of the match was starting to take its toll as both sides made full use of their benches with still twenty minutes to play. Play moved from one end of the field to the other as both sides searched for a weakness in the defense. With five minutes left on the clock Joe Aiono kicked a penalty goal to give the Wombats some relief from the pressure and Avondale held on to take the four competition points 24 – 16.
Karl Horne and Roger Cairns were strong up front for Avondale with Darryl Sanft once again a standout in the backline constantly troubling the Uni defense. Skipper Leon Mason was busy all afternoon for the Bulls with Paul Tuala and Wayne Ngatai strong in the pack.
The first twenty minutes of the match saw both sides fully test each phone number library others defense with plenty of ball movement but the tries didn’t come. After both sides failed to score from penalty attempts the first try came to Wombats winger Ryan Lonsdale after 20 minutes following some typical Avondale razzle dazzle play. Five minutes later Wombats were in again after a scintillating raid down the left ended center meters from the Bulls line. The ball was spread quickly from the ensuing ruck for Andre Itula to cross wide out on the right without a hand laid on him for Avondale to go ahead with the conversions from Joe Aiono 14 – 0.
Within 10 minutes of the second half starting Uni fullback Donavon Nepia slotted two penalty goals to get his side back in the match at 6 – 14, with the Bulls showing that the match was far from decided. Minutes later hard working Wombat front rower Roger Cairns burst over the line to score a rare 5 pointer after a sustained forward drive by the Wombats. With Aionos conversion Avondale were out to a 21 – 6 lead, and seemingly back in control. But the Bulls would have nothing of that and with a further penalty goal to Nepia the margin was 11 with Uni on the attack and having the better of play. Then inspirational Uni No.8 Paul Tuala found some space in center field and embarked on a strong weaving run to pull clear of the defense and score under the posts. With Nepias conversion the margin was down to five at 16 – 21.
The pace and intensity of the match was starting to take its toll as both sides made full use of their benches with still twenty minutes to play. Play moved from one end of the field to the other as both sides searched for a weakness in the defense. With five minutes left on the clock Joe Aiono kicked a penalty goal to give the Wombats some relief from the pressure and Avondale held on to take the four competition points 24 – 16.
Karl Horne and Roger Cairns were strong up front for Avondale with Darryl Sanft once again a standout in the backline constantly troubling the Uni defense. Skipper Leon Mason was busy all afternoon for the Bulls with Paul Tuala and Wayne Ngatai strong in the pack.