OHAKUNE — RATANA

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 8, 24 July 1984, Page 20

OHAKUNE — RATANA

Ohakune travelled to Ratana on Saturday and defeated the homeside 16-9, a score which gives no indication of the actual game. Many of the Ohakune players were feeling the effects of their match against Marist two days previously. This reflected in their performance on the day. The forwards, in particular, were a liftle lacklustre in the hard phases of play. Ratana had, in the first half, a strong wind behind their backs and used it to their advantage. Lock, H. Paki, missed two easy penalty attempts in the first fifteen minutes. This did not deter Ratana who kept Ohakune pinned in their own half throughout the first forty-five minutes. They were finally rewarded when halfback Sonny Tamau quickly passed the ball from the scrum to first five-eighth, P. Waitere, who crossed the line unopposed for a wellconstructed try. This was converted by fullback L. Docherty. These were the only points in the first half. Ohakune coach, Ken George, gave his players a

'talking to' at half-time which showed up immediately from the re-start with more committment and aggression from his players. After twenty minutes of even play between the two sides, Ohakune finally posted their first points when Steve Gordon forced his way over after his side had been awarded a five metre scrum. This was unconverted by Lachlan Harding, although ten minutes later he kicked a penalty followed very quickly by another. Ratana replied with a penalty also and the game was poised at 10-9 for an exciting finish. The fitness of the Ohakune forwards, Bruce Cranston and Graeme Pike in particular, showed in the final vital minutes. Finally, the visitors, after much pressure, scored a try, this time by in-form speedster Walter Cassidy. It was converted by Harding to make the full-time score 16-9. Players of the day were, Ohakune's Noel Akatipa and Ratana 's Sonny Tamau. Ratana's performance in the second half was very indisciplined. They were penalised on several occasions for indiscretions and talking back to the referee. Not to detract from their performance however, as they gave Ohakune one of the hardest runs of the season. With all games now completed in this round, Ohakune remain unbeaten and have finished in first place in Division One. Next Saturday, they play Marist Celtic, who finished fourth in the Rosebowl play-off at Spriggens Park, Wanganui. The more support the boys receive, the better!