Close win for U19's

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 251, 19 July 1988, Page 16

Close win for U19's

Ohakune-Karioi Under 19 rugby team needed to pull one out of the box last Saturday and pull one out they did. Marist were sporting a heavy forward pack and from the kick off put the pressure on. OhakuneKarioi withheld the onslaught and from defending situations time and time again drove the Marist pack back. After 15 minutes Ohakune-Karioi were first to score from a penalty to C. Herewini 3-0. Marist were back on attack but OhakuneKarioi absorbed the

pressure. After 20 minutes Ohakune-Karioi scored the best try of the match. Both forwards and backs were desperately hunting the ball and after several charges for the line the backs moved the ball quickly for M a r k Donghi on the right wing who pinned his ears back and scored wide out. After 30 minutes Marist scored from a penalty. With five minutes to half time Ohakune-Karioi threw everything at the Marist line but failed to add to the score, Ohakune-Karioi 7 , Marist 3.

After half time Ohakune-Karioi were straight on attack and all but scored on two oceasions. OhakuneKarioi backs were guilty of indecision and slow passing and were next to see the Marist second five eight intercept a pass and run three quarters the length of the field and score under the posts. OhakuneKarioi lost their way for the next 30 minutes with bad tackling as the main problem. A high tackle by an Ohakune-Karioi player saw Marist in front with a penalty for the first time in the game.

Ohakune-Karioi showed their true quality by lifting themselves and taking the game to Marist. With five minutes to full time D. Howe scored wide out after a tap penalty close to the Marist line. A good pressure conversion from C. Herewini saw Ohakune-Karioi in front 13-12. Ohakune-Karioi held out Marist to the final whistle for a well deserved win. The Ohakune-Karioi forward pack were awarded Players of the Day for their total commitment and drive as a unit.