MAGS face a tough rugby league task

The test begins today for Mt Albert Grammar School’s rugby league side.

MAGS host Otahuhu in the opening SAS College Rugby League premiership round after securing a qualifying spot last week.

A dramatic 18-14 victory over Westlake Boys High School on June 3 saw MAGS grab second position.

On a day of torrential rain it was the visitors Westlake who made the ideal start, scoring inside 10 minutes via centre Fine Inisi.

Isaac Lulia soon crossed in reply for MAGS and game on.

The only thing separating the teams on the scoreboard at the final minute of the half was Bostyn Hakaraia’s conversion.

But with the halftime siren screaming in the background Mt Albert made use of a leftside overlap, shifting through the hands for Preston Riki to slide over.

The hosts took a 10-4 lead to the sheds.

Westlake’s response in the second half was perfect, scoring early through lanky lock Ryan Doubell.

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Halfback Zae Wallace – who stood out through the game for his solid decision-making and execution – added the extras to make it 10-10.

But a second-period blitz saw prop Issac Ah-Kuoi go over and Lulia collect his double to lift MAGS to 18-10.

A try to Westlake’s Noah Kemp with 90 seconds remaining saw Wallace decline the attempt at conversion and rush back to halfway.

It was all in vain as the siren beat them to it.

In other premiership matches today St Paul’s College are at Manurewa High School and Kelston Boys High School host Southern Cross Campus.

Six teams make up the plate competition which includes Western Springs College playing away to Aorere College, Papatoetoe High School at home against Avondale College and Westlake hosting Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate.

In the bowl competition Lynfield College head south to take on Manurewa B, James Cook High School host Massey High School and Tamaki College visit Papakura High School.