Woolston’s aspirations shattered

Press, 11 September 1989, Page 22

Woolston’s aspirations shattered

Woolston’s premier grade/ rugby league aspirations disintegrated in the face of a Sydenham scoring onslaught at Denton Oval yesterday. Needing a victory to keep alive its promotion chances, Woolston was never in contention as Sydenham scampered away to win, 68-4.

Whether Sydenham or Kaiapoi fills the vacant eighth position in the 1990 premiership will be decided

on Sunday. Kaiapoi could hardly take confidence from yesterday’s scoreline, having headed off Woolston by only one point the previous week.

Sydenham might also have its international forward, Esene Faimalo, back in the side after completing his rookie season with Balmain in Sydney. Certainly, Sydenham benfited considerably from the presence of another Sydney

recruit, Jason Williams, yesterday. Once it had overcome Woolston’s enthusiastic opening, Sydenham launched a series of attacks which were

simply too forceful and too fast for Woolston to counter. Williams was frequently the catalyst of Sydenham’s sorties, whether directing operations from the dummy half position or in his listed role of centre. He had plenty of willing

assistants. Ron Simanu, Richard Setu and the Kaisa brothers, Paul and Peter, dictated the terms around the play-the-balis, Troy Sweetman was responsible for many breaks at scrum-half, and the outside backs, Pesa Aiomanu, Tony Taase, Mike Seinafo and Darren Prebble, enjoyed the freedom they were given by an inadequate Woolston cover-defence.

On yesterday’s evidence Woolston might be thankful it

is not looking ahead to a season in the top grade next year. Its players were willing but not accustomed to the standard required. Scorers:

Sydenham 68 (Troy Sweetman two, Senate Tia Tia two, Pesa Aiomanu two, Tony Taase, Richard Setu, Darren Prebble, Mike Seinafo, Paul Kaisa, Henry Proctor tries; Aiomanu 10 goals) beat Woolston 4 (P. Puni try). Half-time, 28-0.