Raetihi scratches 7-year shield itch

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 584, 2 May 1995, Page 16

Raetihi scratches 7-year shield itch

Saturday s senior rugby game played in Raetihi was very closely cOntended, particularly in the first-half. The Raetihi Business Shield was up for grabs, Ohakune having won it for seven years in succession. Ohakune seemed to have the upper hand in the first five to 10 minutes, Raetihi tackling well but losing some possession. A knockon gave Ohakune a penalty , with Lachlin Harding, number 10 for Ohakune putting them ahead 3-0. Raetihi came back, playing with more attacking skills, with the boot of Ngopera Pine kicking well and Terry Taumata number 1 1 , always there fortheball. The tight five of Rainier Winiata, Brad McCoubrie, Tom Rawiri, Paddy Chambers and Paul Trow drove the ball hard and sent the half-back Brendon Kavanagh over for the first try of the day. With the try unconverted the score then was 5-3 to Raetihi. Another penalty to Ohakune (following a seasaw match), by Lachlan, saw Ohakune out in front 65. A coupleof minutes later pressure really came on Raetihi, but Harding' s dropkick attempt failed. T wo minutes into the sec-ond-half Darren McDonnell attempted a penalty kick but it was not successful. However loose ball gathered up by Tom Rawiri saw him deliver a fantastic try in the corner. The try was unconverted, leaving Raetihi ahead by 10-6. Raetihi went off the boil a little, again loosing possession of good ball, and Ohakune tackling well. With Brad McCoubrie at the helm of the home team they weren'tdownforlong. Good clean ball from a scrum saw Paul Trow dig it in and go over in the corner for the third try of the day (unconverted). Raetihi gave penalty op-

portunities to Ohakune, with Harding having one more success to bring the closing score to 15-9 in Raetihi ' s favour. Outstanding players for Ohakune were half-back Len Piere who gained good clean ball and was everywhere in support for his team. Lock Joe Cokabusa

managed good clean lineout ball and Ohakune' s prop Mike Wills had a great solid game. Ohakune' s player-of-the-day was Len Piere. For Raetihi Brendon Kavanagh was outstanding as half-back and well deserved player-of-the-day for his team. Thomas Waara is back playing for Raetihi as full-back this season and the club welcomed him aboard. A very large crowd was in attendance and, as always, local supporters played ari appreciated roll.