Pace too tough for OK

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 392, 25 June 1991, Page 12

Pace too tough for OK

Ohakune-Karioi had to win or at least lose within six points on Saturday to avoid relegation to the 2nd division for the combined championship round. But they found the pace of the game was too great for them when they lost to City based Kaierau 29-15. New Zealand Maoris and All Black trialist, 19 year old Glen Osborne showed why the All Black selector John Hart is always in communication with him. Where ever he was he would add that extra punch into the Kaierau backline and his positional play was so good that the Ohakune backline got to the stage where it wasn't worth kicking the ball because Osborne would be there. It was entertaining rugby and for the first time this season the Ohakune pack was shoved around a bit and

was quite overshadowed in the lineouts. In a fine display the city team played 15 man rugby with the forwards setting up good ball and the backs running well, creating space on the outside and having the overlap on many occasions. One would suspect however that Ohakune's defence was not at its best either because on several attacks by Kaierau there appeared to be no defensive pattern at all. Although the game was definitely not one sided there were occasions when Ohakune would have the ball, but they could never regain possession when they lost it. Lochlan Harding kept the local team in the game by kicking four penalty goals and a huge drop goal with Kaierau leading only 1615 at half time. Brent Gowler, the mystery

man who turned up to team training one night was for the fifth time in a row the player of the day for Ohakune. Brent is a real toiler and his style is being compared with many great local flankers like Inky Wilson, Chris Berry, John Transom. Brent runs around like a crazy man and always keeps the opposition under pressure. The Ohakune team knew they had played a hard game, this was evident in the changing rooms after the game and they should redeem themselves when they play Waverly in Ohakune next week. Points for Kaierau: Charles Osborne 2 tries, Glen Osborne, Brennan Pine one try each. Glen Osborne 2 conversions, 3 penalties. Ohakune-Karioi; 15 Lochlan Harding 4 penalties and one drop goal