The Hayward HS team set down something of a marker early in the Northern California Varsity Gold season with a 20-12 defeat of rivals Peninsula Green this weekend.

Hayward moves to 2-0 in the Bay Conference, behind Danville, who sit 3-0. For the Griffins, there is still much work to do but Head Coach Blane Warhurst has benefited very much from a strong front row that has set an excellent attacking platform for his squad. Props Joe Moala and Panepasa “Panda” Lavaka have been huge for the pack.

Will Mailau has been a key lineout ball-winner, while his brother, Tevita Mailau is an effective fyhalf and Finau Palu looks to be a player of huge potential.

The biggest issue facing Hayward, it seems, is a season-long ban to flanker Dazem “Tuki” Stevenson, a player of real talent who Warhurst says he enormous potential. Stevenson was red-carded for an elbow to the head in the Kickoff Tournament, and that led to a 50-week suspension. Hayward is appearing the length of the ban. But even without him, they have beaten one of their top rivals. 

“We have good athletes, and we just keep trying to develop them,” said Warhurst, who was capped nine times for the Eagles. 

Next up for Hayward is the ever-daunting Danville Oaks, who are 3-0 in Bay Conference play.