Raetihi rugby kick their way to the semi finals

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 592, 27 June 1995, Page 12

Raetihi rugby kick their way to the semi finals

Raetihi played in Wanganui on Spriggins Park against Wanganui Pirates on Saturday with a good win seeing them in with a positive chance in the semi final round. Windy conditions made tough going for both sides, but Pirates seemed to have the upper hand in the first half scoring two tries and converting one. Raetihi, with determined defence,

worked hard and held things together quite well. Roimie Jensen, No 14, and Paddy Chambers both playing at lock, held their ground well under pressure. Paul Trow and Stu Ngatai, also front row players, played consistently solid games. The score at half time was 12-8 to Privates with Brendon R scoring a try and Thomas W aara at centre kicking a penalty. In the second half, Raetihi picked their game up with Fraser Edmonds, first 5/8, dictating play with his boot and players like Moko Wihare, Mathew Lepuna, No 12 and Thomas Waare centre, all up in support.

Terry Taumata playing on the wing had a good run at times, but counter-defence by Pirates held Raetihi off for quite some time. Pirates took the score to 15-8 with another penalty forcing Raetihi to dig deep.

Brendon Kavanagh got the break Raetihi needed which closed the gap, the score 15-13 (the try unconverted). The game was attack and defence all the way until five minutes before full time

when T aumata got the break he needed and ran away to , score well for Raetihi. His try took Raetihi to the winning side of the score board. Raetihi held out to full time, the score 18-15. Player of the day was Brendon Kavanagh with 3 points; Ronnie Jensen 2; Moko Wihare 1 point.