Double loss for Ruapehu rugby

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 688, 27 May 1997, Page 10

Double loss for Ruapehu rugby

Both Ruapehu rugby teams suffered losses on Saturday when they played Wanganui Tech. The Seconds went down 14-8 and the Firsts, 49-3. The Seconds took to the field with a good, strong defensive attitude and held Tech at bay all through the first half of the game. Tech was just as determined to shut Ruapehu out but there were some good moves in mid-field by Ruapehu at time. Eugene Wilson had some good runs but was just short of scoring. Ruapehu 's P Edmonds just failed to put points on the board due to the ball being held up in the run of play. Both teams incurred penalties in the first half but were unable to capitalise. In the second half Richard McKenzie, Tech's full back soon kicked a penalty goal. Fat Boy Metekingi did the honours for Ruapehu still within five minutes of the re-start and from a driving maui went over for a try. Murry Morris was unable to convert so the score was 5-3 to Ruapehu. Both teams scored from penalties which were awarded for high tackling. At that point the score was 8-6 to Ruapehu. In the I5th minute, Tech scored from a set scrum, with the ball going their way, No. 5 for Tech touching down (unconverted, 1 1-8). One more penalty goal went Tech's way and that sealed the match, 14-8. Seniors The Senior Firsts had a tougher encounter with their opposition, particularly in the first half. Ruapehu won the first line-out with the backs in action right from the start. A ball was intercepted by Tech but No. 14 for Ruapehu, Phil Gillbanks saved a possible try taking his man out over the side line. Ruapehu was penalised for not releasing the ball when they went to ground, Tech kicked for touch. The line out ball went their way but although the ball went loose and was picked up by Ruapehu, they soon lost the advantage with a knock-on. It was 10 minutes before Ruapehu got a chance to put points on the board. Chris Winter' s penalty goal attempt made the distance but went just to the right of the post. A few minutes later another chance came Winter' s way, this time successful. Ruapehu gave Tech the chance to score with a penalty goal and they evened things up 3-3. Good play by Kelly . Arahanga, Mario Mareikura and Phil Gillbanks sparked some hope for Ruapehu and Paul Trow was always there on attack, driving well. Another penalty goal attempt went astray for Winter and things were a little scrappy at that time. Tech were strong in the scrum and worked the mauls well to score the first try of the match which was converted, the score 10-3. Another penalty goal went Tech's way before half time. Ruapehu went off the ball in the second half with their team-work skills falling away. The Tech boys took it to Ruapehu in three minutes of play with a border-line try in the corner (not converted). Tech dominated with four more trys and three conversions. Both sides played a fairly scrappy game in the last 10 minutes or so. The final score 49-3 in Tech's favour. Robert Edmonds was player of the day for the seconds while Paul Trow took that honour in the Seniors.