Posted on Sunday, May 31st, 2026
Game Recap: Bulls vs Tuatara
Result: Franklin Bulls (72) are defeated by Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (107)
The Jadcup Auckland Tuatara exploded offensively in this battle of the 09, cruising to a 107-72 victory over the Franklin Bulls at Franklin Pool and Leisure.
Auckland set the tone immediately, leading 26-11 after the first quarter and stretching the advantage to 55-30 by halftime. They maintained a 20+ point lead for most of the second half.
The Tuatara scored at will, putting up 107 points with massive quarters of 29 and 33 points in the 2nd and 4th respectively.
Franklin showed life in the third quarter, putting up 27 points (their best period) to cut the lead to 74-57 heading into the final frame. However, Auckland responded with a 33-point 4th quarter to put the game away.
Auckland Tuatara: Balanced attack with multiple players contributing. Kc Ioane threw down several dunks, Joshua Leger and Sean Bairstow facilitated, and Thomas Vodanovich and Robert Loe added key buckets.
Franklin Bulls: Jace Carter and Derrin Boyd were active, with Carter scoring inside and Boyd hitting threes and free throws. Kael Robinson also chipped in with some outside shooting.
This was a one-sided offensive showcase for Auckland. The Tuatara’s depth, transition game, and inside presence (many dunks/layups) were too much for the Bulls, who couldn’t keep pace despite a better offensive performance in the 3rd.
Leading Players
Franklin Bulls: Derrin Boyd (19p, 3r, 1a), Carter Whitt (14p, 3r, 8a), Dom Kelman-Poto (13p, 6r, 4a)
Auckland Tuatara: Isaac Davidson (22p, 4r, 2a), Sean Bairstow (13p, 3r, 7a), Chris Johnson (12p, 5r, 3a)
MVP Votes:
Isaac Davidson (Tuatara) – 8
Rob Loe (Tuatara) – 5
Jace Carter (Bulls) – 4
Tom Vodanovich (Tuatara) – 4
Derrin Boyd (Bulls) – 4
Sean Bairstow (Tuatara) – 3
Josh Dilling (Tuatara) – 1
Dom Kelman-Poto (Bulls) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: Franklin Bulls (31) are defeated by Auckland Tuatara (43)
In a tight, defensive-minded Rapid League contest, the Auckland Tuatara defeated the Franklin Bulls 43-31. The Tuatara controlled the pace throughout, but the Bulls repeatedly cut the lead to single digits before Auckland answered each time.
Auckland Tuatara led 11-7 after the first quarter and stretched it to 23-13 at halftime.
The Bulls outscored Tuatara 11-10 in the third quarter. A three pointer from Arahi Marsh made it 21-30, and later another Marsh three cut the deficit to 24-33 heading into the fourth.
The Bulls got as close as 28-38 after an Arahi Marsh three-point play and another Marsh three with 42 seconds left. However, Joshua Wyllie answered with a layup at 19 seconds to seal the 31-43 final.
Auckland Tuatara: Joshua Wyllie scored key buckets late, Kc Ioane had multiple dunks and layups, and Daley Pohio hit important threes.
Franklin Bulls: Arahi Marsh was the clear standout, hitting multiple three-pointers and converting a crucial three-point play. Hunter Savill and Brody Perry added occasional baskets.
Auckland controlled most of the game, each time the Bulls would make a push the Tuatara had an answer to secure the win.
Leading Players
Franklin Bulls: Arahi Marsh (12p, 3r), Hunter Savill (8p, 2r)
Auckland Tuatara: Josh Wyllie (12p, 5r), Daley Pohio (12p, 7r, 1a)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Daley Pohio (Tuatara) – 10
Josh Wyllie (Tuatara) – 7
Brody Perry (Bulls) – 5
Josh Leger (Tuatara) – 3
Zion Anderson (Bulls) – 2
Arahi Marsh (Bulls) – 2
KC Ioane (Tuatara) – 1