Hiroti puts Raetihi rugby women on top

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 488, 1 June 1993, Page 16

Hiroti puts Raetihi rugby women on top

BY

OSSIE

The Raetihi senior women's new captain Rene Hiroti scored all three tries in Raetihi 's 21-nil victory over a powerful Wanganui Marist on Sunday.

All three tries came late in the second spell with the Wanganui midfield back beating her opposition with strong running and sheer pace. With the score locked up at nil all at half time, Coach Stu Haitana switched mid-field backs Sherry Hansen and Rene Hiroti around. With Hansen's ability to break through a strong Marist defence, found Hiroti with a lot more room to move when given the ball. Hansen converted all three tries, one which was right on the side line, taking her personal points tally to 52 from only three games. Michelle Kui played an outstanding game at half-back for Raetihi with some brilliant defensive tackles and some good individual runs up the middle. Winger Yvonne Cribb played well for Raetihi with some gutsy tackling and showed a ton of pace when on attack. Number seven Fiona Brown looked impressive in the forwards with some good tackling and was always in support of the ball carrier. Full credit to Wanganui Marist who were equal to the Raetihi challenge for most of the game. Marist were not given many opportunities to run with the ball but their tight defence kept them in the game, trailing by seven points with only 10 minutes remaining. Loose forward Caren Stead played well with some try saving tackles on strong running Sherry Hansen. Other players to impress from Marist were second five Vicky Pearce, prop Glenda Matoe and number eight Jill Maher. Raetihi could have scored more tries, however slippery hands and lack of forward support at times cost what should have been tries. On several occasions Raetihi were awarded penalties right in front of the posts but elected to run the ball instead of converting the penalties into points. Raetihi is now the only unbeaten team The mean green machine will take on newcomers Waiouru at the Raetihi Showgrounds. Players of the day were Michelle Kui and Rene Hiroti for Raetihi and Vicky Pearch and Glenda Matoe for Marist.