Strong early Ratana beats Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, 13 August 1991, Page 17

Strong early Ratana beats Waiouru

Ratana were too strong too early and beat Waiouru 16 -13 in the Waiouru Senior Division One semi finals on Saturday. The strong wind was a 'ten pointer' and was used to good effect by Ratana. Waiouru allowed Ratana too much freedom in the first half who led 16 - 0 at half time. In the second half Waiouru started well but it couldn't string the important passes together to score the tries that were needed at the crucial times. Missing two kickable penalties also denied Waiouru the important points. Overall, Ratana dominated the first half to gain a good lead, and Waiouru's valiant effort in the second half were not good enough to peg Ratana's lead back. The Waiouru Colts ran the Waiouru Dirty 30's team ragged to win 24 - 0 in the Senior reserve grade. Panthers and Armoured also recorded wins. Raetihi v Hunterville: Hunterville defeated Raetihi, 50-7, at Ohingaiti on Saturday. Raetihi had difficulty in fielding a team. Ronnie Jensen, the club president, started off filling in on the wing but later in the game moved to the flank. He played well. (The All Blacks need utility players! ) Billy McDonnell also stripped ready to play. He obviously wanted to show his boys a thing or two! Even so, full credit must go to the Hunterville team. The forwards totally outclassed Raetihi and as a result the team scored 10 tries. Robert Tohia contributed 18 points - two tries and five conversions. Hunterville played well as a team.

Aaron McCann had a good game for Raetihi. He was well supported by Clayton Waara who tackled well in mid-field. Coach Tom Waara would like to thank the boys for their support over a difficult season. The team has the potential to improve markedly in 1992. Scorers for Hunterville: (tries) Robert Tohia 2, Mark Godfrey 2,

Tim Cundy, Brian Phillips, Clayton Sturmey, James Adkins, Horima Potaka, Adrian Bull. Robert Tohia, 5 conversions. Raetihi: (tries) Ronnie Jensen. Bruce Parr, penalty. Armoured rugby The Armoured Rugby side beat Huia 16 - 3 at Waiouru on Saturday.

An entertaining game was played on a fairly wet field. After a vigorous start to the game Huia faded allowing the Armoured forwards opportunity to get the ball out to the backs. Good tactical kicking by Randal Cross meant plenty of exercise for the forwards. As usual Boo Boo Gardiner and Hutch Hutchinson gave spirited performances.

With a number of regular players away it was a good opportunity for Ray Turu, Randal Cross, and John Barclay to display their talents. Budge Darlison played on the side of the scrum for a change and demonstrated good skill as a loose forward. Just before full time Crew Crewther had to come off with a ham-

string problem and Pete Faithfull, the very vocal ex-lock, took his place on the wing. It was with great regret to the spectators that the full time whistle went soon after. Armoured tries were scored by Mat Kena, Budge Darlison, Dave Apaapa and Dave Morice. The player of the day award went to Hutch Hutchinson.