Waimarino rugby review

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 44, 15 April 1986, Page 20

Waimarino rugby review

In a remarkable change of fortune, Raetihi recovered from its devastating 56-0 loss to OhakuneKarioi last week to defeat Utiku Old Boys at Taihape by 19-15. Kevin Phillips opened the scoring for Raetihi with a penalty goal. Adrian Bull replied for Utiku with a try which was converted by Peter Wylie. Play was fairly even for the next ten minutes until Raetihi's Doug Hall finished off a superb team try started by halfback Steve Wallace in his own half. Phillips converted to take Raetihi to the lead. Utiku levelled the score with a 35 metre penalty from Wylie. They soon took the lead with a try by Grant McLean which was converted again by Wylie. - Raetihi stung by their coach's words at the break struck back through their forwards. Their driving play led to a Bernie McGahan try which Phillips converted. The next 20 minutes were fairly even with each team keen to score. But it was Raetihi's Bernie Condon, on as a replacement forward who took Raetihi ahead 15 minutes before full-time. Utiku were devastated by the loss of Wiremu Hurin through a head injury, ano despite a valiant effort from

their forwards, were unable to score a try. Ohakune-Karioi were without several players for their clash against Huia but still proved too strong for their visitors and won by 32-9. Richard Matthews and Robbie Manson scored two early tries one of which Lachlan Harding converted. New boy Steve Cameron got into the act after 20 minutes followed by a Harding penalty. Steve Gordon scored a try shortly before half-time to take Ohakune to a 23-0 halftime lead.

Huia's Paul Hikenui who had no luck with his boot in the first half kicked a penalty at the beginning of the second half but Harding replied with a penalty to retain the 23-point lead. Gerard Hipango showed that his return to Ohakune was a valuable one when he kicked an up and under near the Huia line which Harding was quick.to grasp onto for a try under the post. What a tough weekend to pick 'Bulletin man of the match' award. There were several contenders, Steve Gordon, Richard Matthews, Lachlan Harding, Steve Cameron, Chris Bennett and Bernie McGahan. But Raetihi halfback Steve Wallace just takes the 'man of the match' award for his lively display at Taihape.