The Allstars faced off against Ohai-Nightcaps and Mataura in their two pool games at the Balfour 7s, 2002.

The first game was against Ohai at 1.20pm. The starting lineup was:

G. Cunninghame (C)    P. Roderique    S.Chamberlain

M. McKenzie

                    N. Noonan

                            L. Hook

                                            M. Pearce

Res: N. Turner, M. Pettersson, B. Cuckow

Conditions were terrible, horizontal rain and low temperatures resulting in numb hands and difficulties in implementing our game plan. The team started well but were too slow and hesitant in the tackled ball situation. Promising movements broke down at the last pass but we went to the break only 7-5 down with a try to Roderique. Ohai put on two more tries in the second half and the Allstars struck back with a try late in the game to Chamberlain, after much bumbling by Pettersson and Cunninghame. The final score being 17-10 to Ohai. Turner and Pettersson came on in the second half and made a big impact but the team were unable to pull back the deficit. The opportunities were there in this game but inexperience cost the team.

Highlights included Turners first up tackle on the Ohai bigman, Hooks courageous take of the shortball. 

The second game was at 2.20pm against Mataura. The starting line up was:

P. Roderique     B. Cuckow    M. Pettersson

N.Turner

                    N. Noonan

                            L. Hook

                                            M. Pearce

Res: G. Cunninghame, S. Chamberlain, M. McKenzie

The Allstars were giving away a lot in size and experience but performed magnificently in this game. The Allstars started off strongly making great tackles, retaining the ball, and putting together promising attacks. However, as in the first game, the last pass would go to ground, or there would be a turnover and against the run of play Mataura would score. Cuckow performed superbly in his five minutes on the field, suffering from a terrible virus, and only came off when he was close to death. The halftime score was 15-0 to Mataura, but this did not reflect the fantastic attack and defence of the Allstars. The second half was very similar, promising attacks breaking down at the last, for Mataura to run away and score. The Allstars did score one superb try, Noonan putting Hook into a gap out wide and Hook using his pace and footwork to race 50 metres and step the last man to score in spectacular fashion with a 'Peter Jackson' dive roll, which brought out a huge cheer from the Allstars supporters who were easily the most vocal on the day. The Allstars also crossed for another try, to Pettersson, only to be called back by a blind referee. The final score was 27-5 to Mataura but the Allstars should be incredibly proud of their performance.

Highlights: Hooks fantastic try and roll, Noonans courageous offload for the try, Turners bustling runs, Noonans huge fend