Early pressure pays

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 301, 25 August 1989, Page 16

Early pressure pays

Ohakune Karioi put pressure straight onto counties under 19 rugby team with good solid scrumming and driving last weekend.

They kept the ball in front thought Counties' defence was equal to the task so Ohakune found it difficult to score. After 20 minutes Ohakune Karioi were six nil thanks to two Mark Donghi penalties from handy positions.

Counties soon replied with a penalty and with ten minutes to half time Ohakune Karioi had territorial advantage but were just three points ahead. The pressure told with Ohakune Karioi backs starting to run the ball and Counties' defence cracked. First Five Kerry Baker scored from a scrum close to the Counties line after a run and quick pass from half back Jason Haitana. Mark Donghi converted. Just before half time from a scrum near the Counties 22 metre line Ohakune Karioi forwards peeled off and saw Shane Phillips score in the corner after a 20 metre dash. Half time it was Ohakune Karioi 16 to Counties' 3. Ohakune Karioi were back on the attack but could not finish off promising moves by either running that metre too far or the ball being knocked on. Counties came back into the game for a long period with their forwards driving up the middle. On too many occasions Ohakune Karioi moves died from players dying with the ball. Counties scored by

the posts with a drive from a tap penalty. Ohakune Karioi were soon back into it with a run on the short side by Kerry Baker who kicked ahead regaining possession then passing in to the ever present Bryan Mason who then had a 30 metre run to score under the posts. Soon after Grant Barrett scored out wide after some good running and support play from the backs. ihe final score was Ohakune Karioi 29 Counties 9. Player of the day was Kerry Baker with good games from J Haitana, B Wills and B Mason. Ohakune Karioi play rivals Raetihi tomorrow.