Utiku OB's entertain Rochfort Park crowd

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 385, 7 May 1991, Page 16

Utiku OB's entertain Rochfort Park crowd

By

Lineout

Spectators at Rochfort Park in Ohakune were treated to an excellent tactical kicking game by the polished Utiku Old Boys pair of Chris Karatau and Tod Barrell on Saturday.

However it is to the Ohakune-Karioi pack's credit that the score remained at 18-9. Graham Pike has done a great job of drilling his pack when considering that Richard Mathews is the only player who gets an occasional dab in the North Wanganui squad, in contrast to the UOB pack where almost everyone in their pack either plays for North Wanganui colts, seniors or Wanganui seniors. The Ohakune pack played by far the best driving game so far this season. Their lineout tally was surprising considering the extra height of most of the UOB pack and this could be due to the polished throwing by the young Ohakune hooker. The scrum tended to screw this week but went well enough considering Frank Matenga had his first game this season and will be an asset to

the team with a few more games under his belt. Unfortunately Ohakune-Karioi has lost the services of Sabu Brown (injured last week) and possibly Lachlan Harding (hamstring) for another week or so in the back line. But they gained the brilliant youngster Anthony Callaghan who tranferred from Raetihi. Anthony, who played most of his midget and schoolboy rugby as a midfield back even in age group representative rugby for Rangatikei reps, King Country School boy and under 18, is also an accomplished soccer player having played at junior national level. He also played basketball and softball at a very high level and was a senior schoolboy athlete. On the field he has excellent skills accelerates quickly is a tactical kicker and tackles. Ken

George described him as one of the few 'thinkers'. Anthony, who wants to play beside his idols Sabu Brown and Lachlan Harding, may not have that chance for a while. Until then he was unable to show his true flair but felt that the senior players were looking after him too cautiously. On Saturday Paul Kavangh had an excellent flanking game for Utiku Old Boys and Tod Barrell scored one of the most brilliant solo tries of the season. Terrance McLeod scored a good try after one of Ohakune-Karioi's backline movements and Lachlan Harding kicked a conversion and a penalty.