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History was made on Sunday with Counties Manukau fielding their first ever Divisional XV players earning their colours from the Division 3 Competition. Counties started well and after several strong carries veteran prop forward Terry Dolan (Waiuku) crashed over for a 5-0 lead. Waikato scored next before Counties prop Waikato Maka (Onewhero) bulldozed his way over and with Daniel Kitson (Waiuku) landing a great conversion Counties took the lead 12-7. Waikato then sprung in to life scoring from a couple of loose turnovers and a charge down to lead 17-12 at halftime. Top efforts from Counties in the first half from powerful Maramarua no 8 Scott Rowsell, hooker and Captain BJ Looker ( TeKohonga) and young gun loosies Whati Edwards( Te Kohonga) and Karl Poto ( Tuakau ). Counties started the second half in rampant running mode scoring two great length of the field tries to winger Fraiser Anderson ( Maramarua) and Fullback Tevita Latapangai (Drury). Classy centre Leroy Nahi ( Te Kohonga) was next to score giving Counties a 27-17 lead halfway through the second half. Replacement players Chris Keighley (Onewhero) and Asa Satuala ( Weymouth) and Italia Hunt ( Manurewa) gave the team plenty of go forward and Counties uses the ball at every opportunity. After good work from Victor Beach( Maramarua) a turnover gave Counties the ball and the backs cut loose with Leroy Nahi crossing for his second try handing Counties a 32-17 lead. Five eight Norman Lakai ( Weymouth ) directed play well and secon five Daniel Kitson ( Waiuku) kicked well tactically. Replacement fullback Caleb Hill ( Maramarua ) added plenty of punch from the back and there was great work from halfbacks Reon Nicholson ( Te Kauwhata) and Christian Beaumont ( Waiuku).Puni locks Dylan Trim and Tewine Rawiri Kani worked hard in the middle all day and young midfielder Haydon Danford ( Onewhero) also ran strongly and defended well . Waikato scored two late tries in the last two minutes however not quite enough and Counties created history with a first up win in their first ever game. Huge thanks to Mario,Frank and the Te Kauwhata club for hosting and thanks to all the players whanau and club supporters who turned out. Also thanks to Gary Millington and Chad Shepperd from Counties executive for your support on the day and sponsor Chris Nicholson Hinemoa Produce . This week the team meet Counties Maori at Puni, Saturday 2.30pm kickoff