Ohakune-Karioi on brink of another championship

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 12, 19 August 1986, Page 20

Ohakune-Karioi on brink of another championship

Ohakune-Karioi are poised to win the Wanganui combined division one rugby championship for the third consecutive year after beating Marist 25-16 on Saturday. They play Kaierau in Wanganui this Saturday in what amounts to a final. Whichever team wins cannot lose the championship. Saturday's game was evenly fought and played in good spirit. The halftime score of 9-9 was a fair indication of play in the first half.

In the first 25 minutes of the second half OhakuneKarioi exerted great pressure on Marist and went into a 19-9 lead. Then, after Bruce Cranston went off with a broken nose, the Ohakune forward lost their momentum and in a fierce five-minute spell Marist came back with a try and a penalty. Ohakune managed to hold off further challenges and sealed the game with another converted try. This was another good team efford for OhakuneKarioi.

In the forwards Bruce Cranston was dominant in lineouts and Graham Pike and Kevin Hill played well. Inside backs Whetu Mareikura, with two tries, Ray Brown and Steve Gordon had good games. Scorers for OhakuneKarioi were tries - Whetu Mareikura (2), Steve Gordon (2) Lachlan Harding Penalty and three conversions. Marist: Tries - Mike Morehan, Tasi Su'a; Greg Matthews cortversion and two penalty goals.

Earlier in the week Ohakune-Karioi beat Utiku Old Boys 26-3 in a catch-up game. Scorers for OhakuneKarioi were tries: George Mareikura (2), Lachlan Harding (2) Steven Gordon. Harding three conversions. Lachlan Harding now has 198 points for the season, beating the 1983 record, and looks certain to go over 200. The four top try-scorers for the Wanganui union. Steve Cameron, Steve Gordon. Lachlan Harding and Kellick Harding are all from Ohakune-Karioi.