Raetihi versus Ranana

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 590, 13 June 1995, Page 16

Raetihi versus Ranana

On 3 June in freezing, cold, muddy, south-west-erly weather conditions, Raetihi rugby seniors attempted to beat Ranana on their home ground. Raetihi won a penalty in the first few minutes and Frazer Edmonds, first 5/8 for Raetihi, kicked for touch, giving Raetihi the line-out. Stu Ngatai, number 8, was invaluable in the lineout, gained good ball and used some planned technique with Moko Wihare, "up there" quickly, in support. Ranana' s attacking ability and quick thinking intercepted Raetihi' s play and sent the ball down their goal line. An infringement in the line-out by Raetihi gave Ranana a penalty. However Justin Tai,

number 9, failed with his kicking attempt for goal. Another penalty to Ranana soon after put them out in front, 3-0. Soon after Ranana' s number 8 went over for a terrific try which was unconverted taking the score to 8-0. Some scrappy play on both sides gave cause for strong wamings by the referee to settle. Things went Ranana' s way with good passes from loose ball. Number 14, Richard Ropata, went over for the second try, which was not converted and took the score to 13-0. From kick-off Ronnie Jensen, lock for Raetihi, went up quickly for the ball keeping it in play. Feeding the backs well, they managed to bring the ball back down nearer their goal line. Two quick penalties went Raetihi 's way, Ranana being off-side, Thomas Waara put points on the board for Raetihi, taking the score to 13-3. Waara was successful with one of the two penalties and the half-time score remained at 13-3. In the second half a penalty kick by Thomas Waara from 50 metres added another three points to Raetihi bringing the score to 13-6, Both teams held each other at bay, Raetihi had a few penalties go their way which they tried to put to good use with quick taps and dummy passes, but the Ranana defence was too . strong. Raymond Lee Mason, number 1 6 for Ranana, scored a try, Tai was unable to convert it and the score stayed at 18-6. T wo more penalties went to Raetihi, Waara capitalized on one of them and the score went to 18-9. Things sea-sawedquite a bit, then David Rawhiti, full-back for Ranana broke away for a brilliant try and Justin Tai, number 9, polished off with a conversion. The final score was 25-9. Player-of-the-day for Raetihi was Mike Wihare and for Ranana Justin Tai. Other players for Raetihi

deserving a mention were Karl Eaton and Stu Ngatai. Ronnie Jensen and Paddy Chambers, both locks, played well and have been improving all season.