Hard fought Raetihi rugby

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 381, 9 April 1991, Page 13

Hard fought Raetihi rugby

Taihape Pirates narrowly defeated Raetihi by 3-0 on Saturday. The game was hard fought with there being little between the two teams. Taihape Pirates had a slight advantage in the forwards with a better scrimmaging technique and a dominance in the loose play. The Raetihi backs looked dangerous but they didn't receive enough ball to show their skills. Raetihi

pressured Taihape Pirates for the last quarter of the game but failed to score. David Shaw had a good game for Pirates while Blair Hope was outstanding for Raetihi. Graeme Pedersen scored penalty goal for Taihape Pirates. Clutha Valley On Easter Saturday Raetihi defeated Clutha Valley from South Otago by 17-4. While Valley

were not at full playing strength the game was extremely entertaining and hard fought. Several of the Valley players were fighting for positions in their playing fifteen so they took the chance to prove themselves. Valley had a slight superiority in the scrum but the Raetihi backs were outstanding. Centre Cayton Te Moana ran at pace while Darren McDonnell looked accom-

plished at second five eighth. Paul Trow had a good game on the wing and Tom Rawiri looked sharp in the forwards. With an improvement in forward technique the Raetihi team should be extremely competitive this season. Raetihi play Ohakune at Raetihi next Saturday 13 April. The club is holding a special 'supporter's day' in recognition of the significance of the match.