Reserves draw hard fought match

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 7, 14 July 1987, Page 20

Reserves draw hard fought match

The game of the weekend in the Waimarino must definitely be the Ohakune Senior Reserves versus Raetihi Senior Reserves. The match started an hour late due to the funeral of Conrad Gray who was killed in a hunting accident on Tuesday. Enthusiastic supporters for both teams turned up at Rochfort Park to watch their sides engage in a hard-fought match.

All agreed after the game that the draw was a fair result. At Kaiwhaiki the Ohakune under-19 team went down to the Counties under-19 team showing that they are on the improve. The team which is now enthusiastically coached by Bill Phillips, Charlie Gupwell and Robin Pearson is definitely on the improve. Not only do they have a full turnout at practices but they have heaps of players turn out on Saturdays. Andrew Wilde, Shane Phillips, Shane Sutton and George Taylor played in the North Wanganui Representative side on Sunday and had excellent games helping their side to win. To pick a player of the day from this dedicated

team is difficult but small fullback Mark Donghi whose tackling is quite superb has the votes. Raetihi Seniors who have lifted their effort in the past week were unable to contain Taihape Pirates. The forwards played excellently, especially the front row with the score being no indication of the game. The speedy backline consisted of the Martin brothers plus Gavin Johnson, Waara, Te Moana, Fahey and veteran speedster Wayne Te Huia quite a dream backline for Raetihi if they can get it together. Thomas Waara scored the only points for Raetihi, from a full backline effort fifteen minutes into the game. Taihape Pirates' points came from Ken Cribb's

boot eight minutes into the first half and just on halftime. Dean Noble scored a try after an excellent forward drive by Pirates 20 minutes into the second half. Final score was 10-4 to Taihape Pirates. Ohakune-Karioi Seniors generally had a slight edge on Marton Old Boys in the first half of their game, irrespective of the two Kelvin Chase dropped goals in the first 15 minutes. The score at half-time was 6-all when Bruce Maher took an easy catch and scored under the posts. Marton Old Boys dominated most of the forward play and Ohakune forwards were slightly outgunned in the driving mauls and lineouts. The Hansen brothers and

Peter Kemp were dominant in the Marton Pack though Richard Mathews, Steve Cameron, Graham Pike and Nuts Morgan had good games for Ohakune. The Ohakune backline was penetrative at times but many of the team were battle scarred after the game. It was good to see a full turnout to practice on Thursday night. Had the team done this at the beginning of the season they would not have the injuries they have been experiencing. Hopefully all will be well for their Marist game next week. Final score 19-6 to Marton Old Boys.