Raetihi seniors relegated

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 13, 25 August 1987, Page 24

Raetihi seniors relegated

After a few friendly' complaints that last week's "Lineout" heading was far too bold in stating that the "Ohakune-Karioi lacking coftimitment and fitness" the Ohakune-Karioi versus Kaierau game had to be checked out at Spriggens Park on Saturday. Probably the only excitement in the game was the return of Andrew Donald who came on replacing Ray Brown five minutes from the start. Donald had a quiet game but the polish is still there. Once again Ohakune-Kari-oi were lacking in commitment and possibly fitness and they let the inferior Kaierau team get the better of them.

However, Lachlan Harding scored a spectacular try in the first half after running from the 22 metre mark to complete a John Kirwin style try. Harding converted his try and these were the only points for his team. Kaierau scored one try, a conversion, two penalties and two dropped goals. The Ohakune forward pack however were missing Cranston, Mathews and Cameron and their positions had to be filled by Robbie Manson, Maher and Haugh who were playing well and truly out of position. The Harding brothers went well as did Graeme Pike and Thomas Mareikura who seems to be thriving on senior rugby.

Raetihi Snrs v Counties It is said that the Parapara highway is so energy sapping that in the case of rugby, a bus ride is worth 10 points to whichever is the host team. This may have been the case for the Ohakune-Karioi loss of 186 and very probably the case for the Raetihi Senior team when they lost to the lowly rated Counties by 23 to 14 at Horricks Park. The Raetihi team is to be relegated to the third division because of this loss. Raetihi played with little commitment and with little pattern at all. The backs did some silly kicks which gave former Wanganui rep Greg Mathews and former Colts player Val Mathews many opportunities to start off counter-attacking movements. Charlie McNab and Dave Firmin featured well in the Counties team, helping them to their 23-14 win over Raetihi. There are no excuses for Raetihi's loss. They put up an able team but made the Counties team look good. A disappointment indeed for Coach Parr who brought the team out of the third division last year only to seem them relegated back again.

I; ' The game was not an unspectacular affair however. There were excellent tries by current Wanganui Colts player Waara, McGahan and Renata and a good sideline conversion by Fahey. Caton TeMoana played a good attacking game but lack of support resulted in his kicking the ball too much. Ruapehu College 1st XV v Paeroa The Ruapehu College first fifteen had a good game on Saturday when they played the visiting Paeroa High School. The Paeroa lads were bigger than. their Ruapehu counterparts but the local lads were a team to be proud of. Anthony Callaghan played a mature game at second five eight. Unlike most Ruapehu games when they choose to kick the ball away, Callaghan ran with the ball making some brilliant breaks creating many opportunities for the outfield backs. Ray Charles Herewini has matured over the season as well. His goal kicking has plenty of future. He receives the vote of player of the day. Final score 18 all.