Ruapehu leaps into new rugby era

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 637, 21 May 1996, Page 12

Ruapehu leaps into new rugby era

History was made on the weekend when past arch-rivals Raetihi and Ohakune/Karioi senior rugby teams combined for the second round of the 1996 3season. The teams are now known as Ruapehu. Out of the deal come two teams, Ruapehu Seniors coached by Noel Akapita from Ohakune and Ruapehu Seconds, coached by Ronnie Jensen from Raetihi. Last Saturday's matches were both played at Ohakune against Wanganui Pirates and in both cases Pirates went home with wins. The Seconds went down 37-10, while Noel Akapita' s boys took a loss of 24- 1 2. The seconds played quite well in the first half, a hardfought battle with the half-time score being 9-5 to Pirates. However, Ruapehu fell apart in the second half failing to work together as a unit. Pirates played a more committed game in the secondhalf, though there were signs of flare from Devon Gray (Ruapehu), who played in the first-five eighth position in a very dri ving defensi ve mode. Ruapehu' s tries came from both wingers, Edward Taura and Murray Morris. The seniors match saw Ruapehu kick off in fine style, with a try by Brendon Kavanagh. Fronzy Gordon' s attempts to convert the try went astray . Both team' s defences were pretty strong but Ruapehu gave away penalties which seemed to be their downfall. There was some good play by Tom Rawiri, Fonzy and Steve Gordon, Gavin Johnson and Aaron McCann. There was also some good tackling at times by Tom Mareikura. Ruapehu let themselves down in the line-outs in not contesting enough in that area. Steve Gordon went over for a fine try in the second half which was converted by Aaron McCann. Once again the two clubs have not had much of a chance to get together and have a full training session. Training for them is also at Ohakune, Tuesday and Thursday evenings

and players are urged to attend practices. There are no games for the seniors this coming weekend due to the forth-coming Wanganui/Scotland match, set down for Tuesday 28 May in Wanganui. Ruapehu Seconds are to play Marton Senior seconds at Raetihi this Saturday, 25 May. Both teams will play Rangitikei on 1 June and a bus will be available, telephone Noel for details on 385-9831. Until a combined uniform canbe made (for next season) games will be played in the colours of the two clubs, alternating each week. The Ruapehu Seconds are made up of players from both Raetihi and Ohakune as well as players from the Ohakune Senior Reserves, who competed in the Wanganui Reserves grade, last season. Ronnie Jensen, who will coach the seconds, will do so with the assistance of Amold Reuben. Ronnie said that now the first combined match has been played, the atmosphere and attitude of both players and supporters from both towns is much more encouraging than first thought. Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays. At the moment practices will be held at Ohakune until the lights are fixed at Raetihi. Anyone needing further information can phone Ronnie on 385-4171 or Arnold Reuben on 3858775.