Club Rugby in Hawke’s Bay continues to excite week in and week out. This time it was highlighted by two shutout performances, with Taradale putting on a show against Napier Technical 40-12 and Napier Pirate putting in a dominant shift against Napier Old Boys Marist (NOBM) on their club day 48-28. You like close nailbiters? We had that too, with Hastings managing to edge past Havelock 20-12.
Taradale got off to a hot start, coming out focused and composed piling on 5 tries in the first half. Tim Ryan, Taradale assistant manager was pleased with his team’s first half performance after admitting last week they were a little off their game, but all in all was pleased with the team’s performance as we get into the later stages of the competition. “Last week we weren’t quite dialed in, we were forcing the pass and lacking patience at times, however this week we turned it around through strong set piece and not forcing the play.”
“Our first half was our best half of the season, going up against a strong Tech side with a big forward pack, our pack matched up well, especially at the breakdown. This allowed our halfback Dylan Ramsay to get quick clean ball putting us on the front foot.”
“We were using a new 9-10 combo with Ramsay and Izaiah “Ice” Tuliau due to a few injuries, but they excelled, they were decisive and accurate connecting the forwards and backs nicely.”
“We were locked in defensively and working really hard for each other against a Tech side that holds onto the ball very well.”
“We did get a little lazy with the defensive effort towards the end, ending up with a yellow card but the boys held on, and I don’t have too much to complain about”.
Napier Pirate put on a dominant performance against the green machine, putting Napier Old Boys Marist (NOBM) to the sword in a 48-28 win. Despite a strong start for the home side on their club day, Napier Pirate quickly turned the tide, with large periods of territory and possession throughout the game. Napier Pirate coach Sheridan Rangihuna highlighted the importance of playing 80 minutes and key contributions from his side.
“It was nice to play at a packed out crowd at NOBM as it was their club day and great to see the boys put on an 80 minute performance.”
“NOBM came out hot, but we managed to take ascendancy early scoring a number of good tries through our attack.”
“It was great to come out after halftime and continue to capitalise on moments to cross the line and secure the win.”
“Our midfield of Al Momoisea and Anaru Paenga-Morgan were strong throughout, and the services of Pouri Rakete-Stones was felt in the pack, with our front row holding it down throughout.”
In the final Maddison Trophy clash, Hastings edged out Havelock North 20-12 in a tight encounter, with goal kicking proving the difference in a game where the sides scored two tries each. Hastings head coach Jason Long acknowledged the physical battle, but was pleased with the way his boys were able to close out the game.
“It was a physical and tight game that went down to the wire. We defended for long periods but managed to get turnovers inside our 22 to relieve the pressure.”
“We went into half time with 10-0 lead but Havelock scored a minute into the second half to close the gap. The game went down to the wire, we kicked a penalty on full time to finish up 20-12.”
“Jeriah Mua was player of the day due to his work at the breakdown and physicality in contact. Blake Tresidder, Jordy Thompson Dunn and Liam Ward were all on prominent.”
The Hepa Paewai Cup also provided some great matchups, with Central Hawkes Bay just getting up over MAC 27-22, Aotea putting on a strong performance against Tamatea 50-24 and Bridge Pa upsetting Clive 23-19 where goal kicking proved the difference.
Coaches Comments – Hepa Paewai Cup Round 3
Central Hawkes Bay vs MAC
CHB Head Coach Rob Evans:
“Credit to MAC, they came down and gave it to us showing a lot of heart. We struggled to get into our game but did enough for the win. We need to build this week for a big challenge in Aotea next week. Zack Simpson and Dylan Wind were strong performers and credit to Ben Hince playing his blazer game.
Aotea vs Tamatea
Aotea Manager Bryan Te Huki:
“We did what we had to do against a young Tamatea team. Mainly kept to our structure and when patient we scored some good tries. Particularly strong games played by Sam Exeter and Manahi Goulton in the forwards and Tama Petera and Weller Hauraki were strong in the midfield. Congrats to Jahnique Whaitiri for his 50th Cap and first conversion at the end of the game.”
Results
Maddison Trophy Round 3
Taradale 40 (Kienan Higgins 2, CJ Meanie, Josh Eden-Wahitiri, Mikaele Tapili, Lolani Faleiva tries; Iziah Tuliau 5 cons)
Napier Technical 12 (Elijah Martin, Tim Farrell tries; Tamati Samuels con)
Napier Pirate 48 (Jarryd Broughton 2, Eneri McGrath 2, Andrew Tauatevalu, Luke Russell, Jericho Wharehinga tries; Sheridan Rangihuna 5 cons, 1 pen)
Napier Old Boys Marist 28 (Dylan Homan 2, Elis Lewis, William Tremain tries; Elis Lewis 4 cons)
Hastings 20 (Blake Tresidder, Jeriah Mua tries; Koby Deacon 2 cons, 2 pens)
Havelock North 12 (Cooper Flanders, Tom Woelders tries, Le’Sharn Reiri-Paku 1 con)
Hepa Paewai Memorial Trophy Round 3
Central Hawkes Bay 27 (Semi Vodosese 2, Zack Simpson, Kerl Lepelaars, Etene Gucake tries; Tate Harte 1 con)
MAC 22 (Faleminga Selesele, Kade Barham, Penisini Taufa tries; William Malatai 2 cons, 1 pen)
Aotea 50 (Samuel Jones 2, Morgan Nicholson 2, Jacob Stephenson, Trent Conway, Rangi Chase, Tui Paikea tries; Trent Conway 4 cons, Jahnique Whaitiri 1 con)
Tamatea 24 (4 Tries, 2 cons)
Bridge Pa 23 (Hemi Waerea, Jackson Waerea, Whetu Ferris tries; James Bailey 1 con 1 pen, Taniera Miratana 1 pen)
Clive 19 (Jack Thompson, Alfred Tuliapupu, Reno Jardine tries; Petera Kahui 2 cons)
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Round 3 Club Rugby Wrap Up - HBRU
Hawke’s Bay club rugby: Napier Pirate and Taradale dominate Maddison Trophy clashes
Image provided by ECR Photography