Raetihi hosts Ohakune for junior rugby

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 583, 25 April 1995, Page 12

Raetihi hosts Ohakune for junior rugby

On Saturday morning the Raetihi Junior Rugby club hosted their near neighbours Ohakune. The forcasted rain never eventuated, providing perfect rugby weather, a soft ground and a slight drop in temperature. Four teams from each club took to the field in earnest endeavour. As usual there was a fine turn-out by supporters from both clubs all eager to add their little bit in helping out the coaches with their vast knowledge of the game. Thanks must go to the referees who controlled the games at a very high standard. □ The Raetihi midgets game saw an excellent turn-out with an enjoyable game being played. It was great to see many new faces. Try scorers were Wiremu Haitana, Shaun Hall and Stacey McFadyen. □ The Raetihi junior tearp showed that practice can payoff. They played as a team supporting each other with a 250 win. Try scorers were Arepa Ponga, Bruce McFadyen, Alex Herewini, Nick Kavanagh and Dean Tooker. □ A rather impressive pattern was beginning to show with the Raetihi Intermediates putting in a great team effort and ending up the winners 33-8. One past pupil and now a teacher at the school wished that some of the players in his class put as much effort into their school work as they put into their rugby.

Ohakune showed that they will be strong opponents later in the season with some excellent defence and strong runs. Point scorers for Raetihi were T Kavanagh, Fraser Hammond, M Journeaux and Z Araitanga. The player-of-the-day wasTurity-Rose Ruke and Chase Tasker was the most-improved-player. □ Whether it was the early night or the home ground advantage the Raetihi Senior team came out with all guns blazing scoring two quick tries and proving that they are able to start well when the occasion requires. The skills learnt at practice and more commitment saw the Raetihi Seniors win 47- 1 2. The whole team lifted their game with Damien and Shaun Dobbs showing great commitment in the loose. Necola Leary and George provided excellent distribution to their backs.with Ivan Hall scoring three tries after a determined run. The ball also provided the two wingers, Hayne Ranganui and Leighton Fisher, with tries. Raymond McDougal improved his tackling game as did Gordon. Fubien Marumaru scored an excellent try and came close to scoring another after a delicate move by the name of Bulldozer. Raing showed good kicking skills in converting a try and greater commitment in his all round game.