Cumming hoists 100 for Sumner
Nik Cumming will remember Sumner’s win over Marist-Albion for more reasons than just the victory.
The second-year Sumner first five-eighth scored 18 points in a 48-23 win and earned three Hawkins MPV medal points to move to third on the table after 11 rounds with 10.
He also reached his century of points and is leading the pointsscorer competition after finishing second last year.
Cumming is an astute reader of the game. He knows when to pass, when to run and when to kick.
He gains good yardage with his kicks for touch and tests the defence with accurate up and unders.
Until recently, Cumming played rugby league and this shows in his game.
‘‘As a result of his background, he is comfortable running at defenders and he doesn’t mind getting hit,’’ Sumner coach Martin Dodgson said.
‘‘ He is also good at running the defensive line. Add to this the fact that he is a Coaster and you really have the perfect storm.’’
Cumming’s league background has also given him an ability to see space on the field and to spot defenders.
Cumming runs the Recreate Gym in Tuam St, where he is a personal trainer when he isn’t playing rugby so he understands the mentality of putting his body on the line and pushing himself hard, both physically and mentally.
Dodgson said Cumming was used as a yardstick for the team as a result of this skill-base.
‘‘Generally we like to keep things pretty simple, but we know if Nik is happy, the rest of the guys will be too.’’
West Coasters have a reputation of being somewhat gutsy and Cumming has the quality in spades. It’s this attitude that has seen him play for the West Coast for the last two years in the Heartland provincial competition.
‘‘He’s a guy who sets himself goals and then works really hard to achieve them, which is all you can ask for as a coach,’’ Dodgson said.
Cumming’s spatial awareness and his kicking game have been particular areas that he has been working hard on improving this season.
To coin a rugby phrase, Cumming has his eye on the ball, and any time the opposition take their eyes off it, he capitalises.