Harding's mistake proves costly

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 250, 12 July 1988, Page 18

Harding's mistake proves costly

Ohakune Karioi forwards started their team's rugby game well last Saturday, resulting in a fine try by Whetu Mareikura in the first five minutes. The rest of the first half was generally close fought between them and Utiku. Ohakune Karioi nearly scored on several occasions with good play in the forwards. The ball was run through the backs well but unfortunately they were not able to finish their moves. Half time score was 40 to Ohakune Karioi.

In the second half the home team paid the penalty for not having big enough tight forwards. Thomas Mareikura, Bruce Marri and Marty Swainson did their best and played a good game but they were clearly outplayed by the heavier Utiku pack. A penalty by Utiku's Chris Karatau and one by Lachlan Harding took the score to 7-3 for Ohakune Karioi. It looked like Ohakune Karioi would take the game by dominating a lot of the play using their backs.

Karioi players, and player of the day was flanker Richard Mathews. Ray Brown and Chris Stewart were the pick Unfortunately, with only 10 minutes on the clock Lachlan Harding foolishly tried to run the ball out from behind the goal line. A pass to a fellow player was intercepted by Utiku's Paul Kavanagh playing flanker, who scored the winning try. Chris Karatau converted the try taking the score to its final 12-7 to Utiku. Best of the Ohakune

of the backs covering much ground and attacking well. For Utiku Kerry Alabaster playing prop and B Hamilton at number eight both had good games. Utiku clearly had far more vocal support than the home team on the day. Raetihi vs Wanganui HSOB Raetihi showed off their style in Wanganui on Saturday beating their opponents 21-6. Nigel Ruki, Steve Gordon, Thomas Waara scored Raetihi tries. Gerard Hipango kicked three penalties.

Murdoch McKenzie kicked two penalty goals for HSOB. Waiouru vs Ratana Waiouru were too light in the pack t o fight off Ratana o n Saturday. Ratana won 36-14. Andrew Mason, Ra Maraku, L e w i s Docherty, Dennis Ngatuere, Pat Waitere scored HSOB tries and Ngatuere kicked two conversions and four penalty goals. For Waiouru Pita Lloyd, Rick Tawhiri, S Dawson scored tries and Lloyd kicked a conversion.