- Bulldogs have the last laugh

Bulldogs show courage in last minute victory

Sat 6 June: 12.45pm, Richmonds Premier first grade team played the Glenora Bears out West Auckland at Harold Moody Park. Despite a gutsy effort from all team members the team were edged out 20 to 14. Prop forward Jarred Semu and experienced centre Edwin Pita both had outstanding games with high work rates and a confidence that encouraged other team members. There peformance went un-noticed as they were rewarded with a promotion to the Premier grade and a justly reward as forward and back of the day.

 In Premier grade footy the Bulldogs took it to the Bears with strong hit ups from captain Saliga Kepaoa and prop forward Ray Faaoso unsettling the Bears. The pressure on the Bears showed with a early fumble resulting in a run away try to gun half back Tama Guthrie. Second rower Ben Seve defended strongly and provided valuable metres for the Bulldogs team. Nick Afoa showed a lot of courage and determination as his side of the playing field were given a momentus amount of pressure. However, it soon became evident that the right side fringes were being exposed. With minutes remaining on the clock and with Glenora 2 points ahead Saliga Kepaoa broke through the Bears left side to draw in the Bears full back to get the pass off to Warriors under 20s centre Meli Koliavu to seal the away victory to the Bulldogs. The team are to be commended for there never-give-up attitude. With continued effort and consistent performances this should see the Bulldogs through the SAS Sharman cup competition as title defenders.

- Discipline required for 20s

Richmond 20s outplayed by surging Lions

Sat 23 May: 12.45pm, Richmond played  Mt Albert Gold at Avondale Racecourse. This could easily have been a game the team would have loved to forget having been beaten convincingly 46 to 16. In opening 10 mintues Mt Albert shot off to a 16 to 0 score line. With shocky defence and penalties being awarded to Mt Albert Richmond had to compose itself quickly before losing the game by the half time. As the 20s team had done in previous games the team united and played there way back in to the game going in to the half time break with a 16 all scoreline.

What ever was said at the break must have fallen on death ears as the team slipped to give away penalty after penalty conceeding a 46 to 7 penalty count going the way of the Mt Albert Gold team. With a count like that it would be safe to assume the Bulldogs team were in trouble and went down without a fight. A better attitude, self control and discipline will be needed if the team are to remain in the top 4 of the 14 strong team competition.

- Mixed day for Bulldogs away

Tautiaga's outstanding game has him backing for another strong performance

 Sat 16 May – 12.45pm: Richmond played Howick Hornets away at Paparoa park.
Ben Vai, Corey Teina, Andrew Kake and Steve Watkinson were amongst try scorers for the Premier first team. Outstanding this game though was Richmond junior Siti Tautiaga who scored a double before backing up for the Premier grade. The Bulldogs final score went down to the wire eventuating in a 30 – 26 win to Bulldogs team.

 In the Premier grade game the Bulldogs played a resilient Hornets team. John Mana and Siti Tautiaga were amongst try scorers for the away team where standoff Gary Reilly kicked 2/2. The Bulldogs were forced in to pressured decisions where former Richmond Bulldog gun Jason Tavita had an outstanding game bagging a double for the East Auckland team that won the game 26 – 12. A better prepared team will be required as the boys take on local city rival, Ponsonby Ponies.

- Bulldogs Bite Sea Eagles

Uale has a field day out South

Sat 16 May: 12.45pm Richmond under 20s played Papakura Sea Eagles away at Ray Small park. The trip out South was to get the teams focus back as last weekend's game against Otahuhu Leopards at home was cancelled due to the wet weather.

From the opening 10 minutes Richmond showed great composure to grind down the Sea Eagles team. The home team giving away consecutive penalties allowed the Bulldogs to pile on the points. In the first half the young doggies team outplayed the South Auckland club from the opening stanza having defended well and completing set plays. Junior Uale was outstanding on attack as was prop forward and Player of the day Penisi Rice. Uale continued his consistent form with a hatrick by the opening stanza of the second half. The Bulldogs 20s resumed there devastating form with halves Chris Perenara (7) and Ronnie David (6) directing the team around with deft kicking. Cornelius Talagi showed strong surges to bag a double with well read attacking lines whilst the outside backs had a field day with the amount of space available caused from the tireless working forward. Richmond 70 - Papakura 4.

- Premier teams win in wet conditions

Premiers & Premier 1st brush off Vikings team

Richmonds Premier 1st and Premier grade opened up its account for the 2009 SAS Sharman Cup season.  This weeks horrendous rain showers cancelled all junior grade games including the under 18s and under 20s grades. Playing at Blockhouse Bay the Premier 1st showed a much improved commitment on defence and attack against a big Bay Roskill Vikings pack to come out with an away win 46 - 30. Jesse Bourke was outstanding with his strong hit ups and high work rate for defence whilst winger Bambridge (Bam) Samuela, centre Mia (Siddy) and Rewi Murray were standouts for the backs. Of note, full back Rewi Murray was a late inclusion to the Premier grade game having had a dominant performance for the Premier 1st grade. 2008 Premier grade prop forward Nogo Watch was also in devastating form having returned from injury and improving game fitness in the last three weeks of premier 1st grade footy. Steve Watkins showed plenty of leadership and troubled the Vikings defence line at will. The team should be pleased with their hit out today having won 46 - 30. Mia (Siddy) was the teams player of the day for the backs whilst Jesse was the forwards player of the day.

Not wanting to look like a team of the SAS Sharman cup level the Richmond Premier grade took off like a sprinter out of the blocks winning comprehensively 44 - 10. Some unruly penalties allowed Bay Roskill repeated sets but this did not hamper the fighting spirit of the Premier grade Bulldogs throughout the match. A tight game to start with but it soon showed that Bay Roskill weren’t working as a team, and were really quiet for most of the match. Young Warriors under 20s prop Daniel Palavi was outstanding with many strong surges and line breaks. The forwards set up a well structured platform for the outside backs, whilst the outside backs were well fed overlap situations and good positioning for attack from the halves pairing of Gary Reilly and Tama Guthrie. Karl Semiti had another endless day of defence before being replaced. Whilst Ben Seve was at his usual performing barn storming best. Prop Nogo Watch provided some much needed grunt with his contributions on attack. In the second half the Bulldogs seemed to grow another leg and their fitness came to the fore. The turning of this game came when gun winger Nick Afoa latched on to the ball from a Vikings kick and outsprinted the covering Vikings to race 90 metres untouched. Siliga Kepaoa the Bulldogs Captain had a solid game as well as centre Sam Lousi with his gifted offloading ability. By the end of the game Richmond showed that with improved character and continued combinations they will be a strong defender of the SAS Shaman title they had won last season. Daniel Palavi was the Player of the day for the forwards whilst second rower Ben Seve picked up the Player of the day for the backs. Good luck to Karl Semiti, Niuvao Taka, Meke Unasa, trainer Jasen McCarthy and Auckland Premier grade team manager for their weekend long camp at Hunua (Camp Adiar).

- Richmond 20s update

Convincing win by Bulldogs 20s

Sat 4th April at 12.45pm the Richmond bulldogs under 20s started their season with a convincing win over the Otara Braves 44 – 28 at Grey Lynn Park. Early injury to centre & Captain Nio Strickland meant that the team had to change its line up early in the game.  Joseph Alesi was dominating on attack as were the 20s wingers PJ Fa’amausili and Kepaoa Kepaoa. Up front the muscle of the team was very formidable with BIG hector Purcell carving metres followed strongly supported by Penisi Nightingale and Paki Alesi. Hector’s line breaks allowed him two consecutive tries being scored under the post whilst offloading to his second row partner Tavita for his tally for the day. Tavita of note had a strong performance with depth foot work and set up a 40 metre break eventually offloading to half back Ronnie David to score. Ronnie David too was a stand out on attack bagging a hat trick (3 tries) whilst providing valuable distribution to his outside backs. Standoff Marcus Taniue had a near perfect kicking game in his first outing for the Bulldogs as did interchange forwards Matty Liuaga & Saia De Soysa. Thank you to the supporters and with continued training the boys hope to improve each week. With more players to return to training there definitely will be competition within the team. $50 player of the day was Tavita. Whilst Joseph Alesi and Paki Alesi bagged the $25 vouchers for the best back and forward for the Richmond 20s grade team.

20s Second Rowers bring it on!

Sat 11th Apr at 12.45pm the Richmond Bulldogs displayed a well rounded game to beat a new and improved Hibiscus Coast Raiders under 20s team 48 to 24 at Grey Lynn Park. Joseph Alesi was again outstanding whilst backed up superbly by loose forward Junior Uale.  Uale’s attack gained great metres and was well supported by his second rowers Tavita and Paki Alesi. As usual the forwards had a dominating display but had to grind out the visiting teams forward pack in order to allow for the razzle dazzle of Kepaoa Kepaoa and strong running PJ Fa’amausili. Chris Perenara on debut for the Bulldogs showed great attacking prowess and often probed the holes of the Raiders defence line. Some ill discipline from both teams saw young rake Shane Strickland on debut sin binned as well as the Raiders shoulder charger. This saw Hibiscus put some points on the Bulldogs before the Bulldogs recuperated and stormed right home with player of the day Cornelius (Kone) Talagi bagging his second try for the day. This week’s $50 player of the day went to the 20s second rowers Junior Uale & Kone.

Talagi in scintilating form!

Sat 18 Apr at 12.45pm the Richmond Bulldogs 20s had every confidence that they were going to win this weekend’s game against the Ellerslie Eagles but had to stick to the basics to grind the home team down at Ellerslie Domain. Richmond hit hard and fast and gained momentum early on in the contest through its powerful and mobile forwards.  Penisi and Hector were at their attacking best with the firm command of Ronnie David and Chris Perenara at the helm. Chris in particular had an outstanding attacking game with precise kicking and often had the options available through good support of his outside backs. Ellerslie were down to 11 men by half time and Richmond allowed them to enter any further players for the remainder of the match. Cornelius (Kone) Talagi had a great game with good footwork and quick play the balls. Each week Kone looks to grow in confidence whilst gaining game fitness. Richmond let in two soft tries late in the game but this game was already won by the first half. Centre, Aaron Collings was a standout bagging four tries on the left side. This game would suit the team as they prepare to take on heavy weights the Mangere East hawks who are placed 1st on the table next weekend. Kone Talagi this weekend didn’t need to share the player of the day as he was awarded the $50 player of the day. To credit the the first two teams both games for the season were tough and have been good in preparation for this coming weekend’s game.

Slow day brought on by late night

Sat 25 Apr at 12.45, the Richmond Bulldogs 20s played the Mangere East Hawkes at Grey Lynn Park. With a home ground advantage and having trained four nights of this week in preparation to this big game the Bulldogs looked to be out of sorts as the visiting team had posted a 22 - 6 margin at half time. Uncompleted sets and handling errors seemed to be the problem in the first half and this was rectified as the Bulldogs 20s came through with a dominant second half performance out muscling and out smarting the bigger Hawkes team. Final score 40 – 32. The 20s coaches had found only after the game that team members had been on a bender for a team mates birthday at the coaches house while the coach was asleep in his house and hadn’t noticed until he had found half his team sleeping in his garage.

Bulldogs 18s ambush surprised Roosters
Sat 25 Apr at 11.30am, Richmonds under 18s team played the Te Atatu Roosters at Grey Lynn Park winning 28 - 24. For a makeup team the 18s boys were well prepared and showed courage, flair and determination to upset the big West Auckland club. Emmet Watch was outstanding as well as Warriors development player Marcel Ikinofo. 20s winger Shane Strickland (15) also featured in this game in the second row. 

20s dominate under strengthed Rovers team
Sat 2 May, at 12.45pm, the Richmond Bulldogs played an under manned Manukau Rovers team at Avondale race course. By 20 min in the game Richmond were up 24 – 0. Being a wet and windy day the team were surprisingly well structured with limited ball handling errors and showed a gutsy win despite the conditions. Junior Uale and Hector Purcell were great players for the Bulldogs 20s team having played 80 mins each and showing some great form. Joe Alesi and Hector Purcell were this weekend $25 voucher best back and best forward. The $50 player of the day went to Junior Uale. Final score 48 - 6.

NEXT 18s & 20s GAME
Sat 9/May 12:45 PM, RICHMOND 20s OTAHUHU LEOPARDS - at MCMANUS PARK

Sat 9/May 2:30 PM, RICHMOND 18s versus Harbour - Stanmore bay

- What is new?

Richmond update

Ever thought about being a trainer? Or a First aid officer? Or a team Manager? How about taking up a NZRL level 1 course in any of the above? Well, if your interested in gaining a rugby league qualification then contact your club secretary and make a difference as a qualified volunteer.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following Richmond managers who had attended and completed there NZRL Level 1 Mangers Course on the 8th of April

1. Kyla Kaiser-Day

2. Angel Ngamu

3. Renee Ngamu

4. Melissa Rereiti

Lastly, Congratulations to Marcel Ikinofo from the Richmond under 18s team who was selected from the under 15/16s trials to represent the under 16s Auckland tour to Australia. We at Richmond wish him the very best of luck with training and his team.

- Outstanding WIN over Lions brings ROOPE ROOSTER to the Dog Pound

Roope Rooster returns to Richmond

Richmond courageously takes the Roope Rooster from the grip of the 2008 ARL Fox Memorial Premiership champions in an outstanding away win 22-16 over Mt Albert. Full report to follow.

Pictured (ARL's Gordon Gibbons & Captain Saliga Kepoaoa).

Congratulations also to the following players on making the 2009 Auckland Premier squad: Karl Semiti, Niuvao Taka & Meke Unasa

- AGM postponed

AGM Postponed

Please be advised in discussion with ARL the new Richmond Bulldogs AGM date has been scheduled for Monday, 20th April 6.30pm, at the Richmond club rooms. Apologies for the great inconvenience.

- Bulldogs win over Vikings

Richmond first up win over Vikings

Richmond shot off to a great start leading 20 - 0 at half time. A dominant first half from the Bulldogs with strong performances from Saliga Kepaoa, Corey Teina, John Mana Karl Semiti and Niuvao Taka. A head injury to full back Meke Unasa took the sting out of the Bulldogs sail. Richmond next play the Papakura Sea Eagles on Sat 28th March at Prince Edwards.

Premier grade: Richmond 36, Bay Roskil 32 played at Blockhouse Bay #3.

In the curtain raiser game Taironne Filiva'a had an outstanding game in fullback for the Premier 1st grade.

Premier first grade: Bay Roskill 46, Richmond 42.