Raetihi takes series lead

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 247, 21 June 1988, Page 16

Raetihi takes series lead

Raetihi rugby seniors took the lead in the Wanganui third division qualifying club series by taking Waiouru 15-12 on Saturday. Both teams were playing to capacity in the very strong cold blustery winds on the day, making it a very good game.

Both teams displayed excellent team spirit but Raetihi were slightly fitter. Considering the conditions the play was free flowing. Raetihi were ahead by nine points just 1 0 minutes into the game and it was 12 all at half time. A penalty from a

scrum infringement put Raetihi 15-12 after 10 minutes' pressure o n the Waiouru side. Raetihi came close to scoring twice but were held up by solid defence. Gerard Hipango kicked 11 points in the game, three penalties and the conversion of Thomas Waara's try. Waiouru's points came

from a try by G Scrimmager, and two penalties and a conversion from P Lloyd. Steve Gordon played an outstanding game, controlling the backline and using his boot to good effect. Player of the day was Waiouru half back Pita Lloyd. Among the heroes of

the day were the large number of Raetihi spectators who made it to the Waiouru venue in the lousy conditions to support their team, outnumbering the home team crowd. i Ohakune Karioi vs Marton Old Boys Ohakune-Karioi seniors lost to the lesser Marton Old Boys in their rugby match at home on Saturday. Ohakune did no take full advantage in the first half when playing with the wind. A four point advantage was not enough, adding to the fact a few players were not playing in their usual positions and the team didn't play their better players. Marton Old Boys played as a team, taking advantage o f Ohakune's mistakes. They gained a lot of ball from broken play. Their forwards played well and backs ran well scoring 3 tries to 2. Best of Ohakune was Kellick Harding playing lock and P. McAleese was named player of the day Marton Old Boys. Scorers (MOB) Tries K. Chase, P. Kemp, J. Hainsworth. K. Chase 1 conversion and 1 penalty. Ohakune: Tries by Steve Cameron, Richard Hoare, Lachlan Harding 2 conversions.