Posted on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Game Recap: Hawks v Tuatara
Result: Big Barrel Hawkes Bay Hawks (91) are defeated by Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (93)
The Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks would be in for a challenge as they sought their first win of the season. The Tuatara have looked dominant, albeit a close loss to the Saints in Wellington. Despite having a number of offensive weapons, being an undersized squad had presented issues throughout their past 4 matchups. The Hawks would get lucky to begin as one half of the twin towers of the Tuatara, Chris Johnson, would get in foul trouble and limit his minutes. Despite the size different, the Hawks would pull down more rebounds in the first half than the Tuatara. Despite that, and 15 2nd quarter points from Jackson Ball, the Hawks would trail by 6 points. The Hawks would then go on a run into the 3rd and take the lead, in which begun a battle of taking the lead until the closing minute of play. Keanu Rasmussen would hit a big 3 to close to gap to 1. But with possession and the chance to win, the Hawks were unable to convert as Zach Riley came up with a massive steal to seal the game for the visiting side.
Leading Players
Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Jackson Ball (19p, 4a), Dan Grida (17p, 11r, 3a, 2s), Keanu Rasmussen (18p, 4r, 6a, 2s)
Auckland Tuatara: Tom Vodanovich (19p, 5r, 3a, 2s), Zach Riley (14p, 7r, 6a, 2s), Rob Loe (11p, 10, 4a, 2b)
MVP Votes:
Zach Riley (Tuatara) – 9
Dylan Wilkie (Tuatara) – 5
Tom Vodanovich (Tuatara) – 4
Jeremy McLaughlin (Hawks) – 3
Josh Dilling (Tuatara) – 3
Dan Grida (Hawks) – 2
Ezrah Eagle (Hawks) – 2
Keanu Rasmussen (Hawks) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: Big Barrel Hawkes Bay Hawks (30) are defeated by Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (33)
Both teams coming into this match were very capable at putting a lot of points on the board but this would be a game of defence. It would be low scoring as there would only be two double digit quarters combined for both teams. Dylan Wilkie would pour in a game high 15 points as the two teams would find themselves in the first overtime game of the season. It would ultimately be the Tuatara to strike and take the win 33 to 30.
Leading Players
Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Tommy Fergusson (9p, 6r), Jacob Muprhy (7p, 2a)
Auckland Tuatara: Dylan Wilkie (15p, 3r), Josh Leger (8p, 8r, 3a)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Dylan Wilkie (Tuatara) – 10
Josh Leger (Tuatara) – 7
Tommy Fergusson (Hawks) – 6
Mattie Dalton (Tuatara) – 3
Kobe Costley (Hawks) – 2
Jacob Murphy (Hawks) – 1
Kingston Kailahi-Aso (Tuatara) – 1