Win and loss for Ruapehu rugby

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 682, 15 April 1997, Page 6

Win and loss for Ruapehu rugby

Ruapehu 's rugby teams kicked off this week's games with their senior seconds coming away with an encouraging 10-6 win against Huia, taking the Northern Wanganui area Bob Cleaver Shield competition. This is the first year of play for the combined Ohakune Karioi Raetihi teams and it was tremendous to see such a large crowd, about 400 people, of supporters, said club president Brett Journeaux. Ruapehu started in the first half with a try by Himi Rapana, converted by Adam Hinana. Huia struggled at first as they tried to break through Ruapehu' s strong defence. They came back and although they didn't score, they were able to hold Ruapehu at bay until half time. Huia fought back after the break and forced Ruapehu into error which

resulted in two penalty goals, closing the gap to 76. But a last-minute penalty clenched the win, their second having won by default against Utiku last week. Close game for Seniors Ruapehu seniors played Ratana, also a home game, with Ratana winning by a close 28-27. Ruapehu started with a hiss and a roar, gaining some clean ball form early scrums. Chris Winter, Terry Taumata and Frank Taylor showed some good ball handling skills. Ratana' s attacking ability drove Ruapehu back into their own half. Infringements and too much ball lost forward by Ruapehu gave Ratana goal kicking penalty chances which they capitalised on. Dalton Waara, Ruapehu fullback, was put under pressure several times, but performed well. Terry Taumata' s kick and

chase tactics were good but lack of support or fumbling resulted in penalties to Ratana leading to a try by their number 10 adding to earlier penalties for a score of 14-0. Two more penalties went their way and it wasn't until the 25th minute that Ruapehu were able to open their account. Terry Taumata did the honours with a brilliant try in the corner, with Chris

Winter converting, the score 20-7. Good ball to Phil Gilbanks saw him run on well to see Frank Taylor up for Ruapehu' s second good try. The score 20- 1 2, the try not converted. About 10 minutes into the second half Ratana' s Corrie Parau went in for a great try making the score 25-12. Clayton Waara took to the field on the wing and in

no time he closed the gap with a great driving try for Ruapehu, the score 25-17-A difficult kick meant that the try was unconverted. A penalty goal to Ratana put them out in front again 28- 17 . Two more tries went Ruapehu's way which weren't converted. It was a nail biting finish but the win went Ratana's way in the end. Final score 28-27.