Ruapehu under 21's scrape through

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 581, 11 April 1995, Page 13

Ruapehu under 21's scrape through

The Ruapehu Under 21 Development Rugby Squad versus Taihape Pirates rugby game at Raetihi was a very close game. It was a hard physical game for the players and there was plenty of nervous worry for the coaches, with the Under-21's eventually winning by 14- 1 2 in the last few minutes, thanks to a great 40m penalty from Chris Winter. The Under-21's forwards, who were generally on top, gave the team a territorial advantage. However, the backs failed to take advantage of this. The Taihape backline ran the ball well and from one passing movement started well inside their own half. Les Cribb scored a great try made easier by the Under-21's backs not marking up. In the second half Cribb again scored a try and with the score at 12-6 to Taihape things were not looking too good for the Under-2 1' s. To make things worse the Under-2 1 backs were taking too many wrong options -

bad kicking, too many cut-out passes and when getting the ball not really having any planned moves or knowing what to do with it. Thankfully the Under-2 1 forwards were working very well with strong rucking and some great forward runs. It was from one of these that they saw Robert Grossart crash over for a great try. The score was Taihape 12, Under-2 1 ' s 1 1 and only a few minutes left on the clock. With the U2 1 s hot on attack they twice went for a try when penalties were given to them but couldn't get through the Taihape defence. Just before full-time the U21s converted a penalty into points to give them a win. It is probably best described as an interesting game, with more coaching from Marty and Rick and more listening from the players, the U21s can only improve. Those interested in playing for the U21 team can ring 385-4538.