Raetihi Women's Rugby

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 591, 20 June 1995, Page 16

Raetihi Women's Rugby

Raetihi hosted Wanganui Counties in their Siinday game of women's rugby, in wet conditions far from favourable to either team. However, the wet and freezing temperatures seemed to actually fire up Counties and in quick fashion, they kicked the ball well into their territory. Passing the ball out of the backs was difficult for both sides, with heavy rain making the ball slippery. Raetihi fumbled a little and were slow to get up to the ball. About 10 minutes into the game, Ness Mathews, No 12 blind side flanker for Counties, ran in a great try from a scrum. Rachel Mann, No 6, blind side flanker converted, the score 7-0. Raetihi tried hard with girls like Rose Renata, full back, running well and wide, attempting to bring the ball down to their goal line. Counties tackled well, their defensive play stronger. An off-side infringement by Raetihi gave Counties a penalty, Mann kicking for goal, however the kick went astray. No 12 Ngaire Tamati went over for a try 20 minutes or so later, the score 17-0. The second point scorer being Carla Docherty, No 10. Again not converted the score remain the same at half time. A good pep-talk at the break saw Raetihi take the field in better mode, driving and attacking with more commit-

ment — Rose Renata running well in the full back position. Tenga (Marton) Matenga half back, fed the ball well with good attacking by Golly Paul, replaced Roberta Te Huia at No 14. Rose Renata' s committed play was rewarded with her having scored a try as did Karen Casey, No 1 1 with Sherry Hansen centre, making sure with one conversion. Never giving up, Raetihi won several penalties, one opportuni.ty for a penalty a good attempt. However, the kick unfortunately just astray. Raema Mowat second 5/8, got some good ball from scrummage and tackled well at times and the Hansen girls, Bubbles and Sherry, used their quick feet in speed preventing Counties many time from scoring. The forwards also worked well in the line-outs and scrums. Pouring rain prevented a more flowing type of game, each side working 'full on' in both defensive and attacking play. Time didn't seem to favour Raetihi in the end. The score remained 17-12 to Counties, Raetihi having the upper hand in the second half.