Waiouru celebrate first win

Ruapehu Bulletin, 22 June 1993, Page 9

Waiouru celebrate first win

byOssie The Waiouru women's rugby team won their first competition game over a determined Ohakune side by 12-0 on Sunday. Waiouru 's captain Mellissa Brown scored a brilliant individual try, running over 40-metres to score under the posts. M J Savage converted the try to give Waiouru a seven point lead. Ohakune hit back straight away with a series of attacks at the strong defensive Waiouru line. Skipper Kim Burrows finally touched-down in the corner from the back of a much improved Ohakune scrum. After the break Waiouru full-back Karen Fyfe scored a welldeserved try under the post to put Waiouru further in front by 12-5, with only 10 minutes to goOhakune were not to be disheartened with their flanker scoring her second try of the year after replacement forward Jo Kohu made a huge break up the middle and Henare was in good support to score in the corner. Unfortunately Korty Wilson could not

convert the try for a draw, which would have been a fair result from a well-matched clash. Both teams have improved since the last outing which could see a few more players make it into the Northern teams due to play next week at Marton. Players to impress from Waiouru were: in the forwards prop M J Savage, lock Trish Leabourne, loose forward Lisa Bidios and back from injury Teresa Svenson with some awesome tackling. Mellissa Brown played her best game of the season with some fine running and some good tactical-kicking. Karen Fyfe and Sal Reid were the other backs who showed some real pace and skill in the backline. Ohakune must be pleased with their performance especially in the forwards which saw them take a lot of ball from Waiouru in the rucks and at scrum-time. Unfortunately their backs could not finish off the good work because of a strong Waiouru defence. Players who were outstanding for an unlucky Ohakune were: in the forwards Kim Burrows, Jackie Henare and Mo Apehira at times. Anna Mason made some awesome tackles on the wing and it will be a real | let-down if she is un- ' available for the Northern A side game at Marton. Coral Rahi's return to the side, could see her back in one of the Northern sides, pending her availability. Half-back Korty Wilson also impressed with some strong runs from the scrum and quick penalty-taps. Waiouru 12 - Mellissa Brown and Karen Fyfe tries. Mary Joy Savage conversion. Ohakune 10 - Kim Burrows and Jackie Henare tries. Women's rugby standings after the first of two rounds: Raetihi 16; Marist 12; Wanganui Counties 8; Waiouru 4; Ohakune 1