Raetihi rugby turns the corner

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 581, 11 April 1995, Page 15

Raetihi rugby turns the corner

By

Amiria

Teki

Not since 1987 or 1988, when young Thomas Waara and Steve Gordon were selected for the Wanganui representative team has Raetihi been anywhere near the top of senior rugby. However, after Saturday's thrashing of Huia, the newlook team coached by Tom Rawiri, who also plays front row prop, certainly showed commitment, determination and team work.

In particular, the backs were outstanding in both defence and attaeking abilities. Moko Wihane, open side flanker, played an outstanding game. Selectors may now look a little further and perhaps consider Wihane for Wanganui Reps. The home crowd were not disappointed, particularly when Ngapera Pine went over for the first try of the day, with Darren McDonnell converting to take the score to a seven-nil lead. Not long afterwards McDonnell kicked a penalty. Another try by Pine took the score to 10-nil. The conversion attempt by McDonnell failed. Huia tried to come back with a little drive and burst of determination, however they missed with their penalty kick. A good set up by Tom Rawiri saw number-eight Simon Deighton over for a great try and once again McDonnell capitalised, taking the score to 22-nil. In the second-half Huia tried coming back and played some good rugby. They drove close to scoring but they failed to finish off moves, with Raetihi 's tight defence preventing them from scoring. Tries kept coming for Raeti hi , with T erry T aumata, Paul Trow and Darren McDonnell all having success. McDonnell was able to convert all except one, with a penalty goal which took the final score to 51-0. Captain Brad McCoubrie was awarded player-of-the-day, as much for his individual play, drive and determination, as for his encouragement to spur the entire team on throughout the duration of the game.