Ohakune-Karioi in with chance

Waimarino Bulletin, 26 July 1988, Page 20

Ohakune-Karioi in with chance

With their win on Saturday Ohakune Karioi are in with a chance to stay in the First Division, despite all their setbacks. On Saturday a very depleted team traveled to Wanganui to play Wanganui Pirates.

Missing from the front row through injuries was Alan Kirk, Bruce Mahar and Marty Swainson. Lock Bruce Cranston, fullback Lachlan Harding and winger Chris Stewart, who broke his hand at Thursday's training, were also out of the game. Ohakune Karioi carried on from the previ-

ous match against Marist starting the game with plenty of spirit and determination, scoring three tries in the first 25 minutes. That took the score to 12-3 to Ohakune Karioi at half time. The lead could have been greater if conversions and penalty kicks had been successful. The second half Wan-

ganui Pirates used the wind to good use and territorial advantage. They dominated most of the second half. Capitallising o n Ohakune Karioi's mistakes they kicked two further penalties and came close to scoring on several occasions. The score was 12-9 with full time showing

on the clock and then it was anyone's game. Ohakune Karioi fought back in the last minute scoring the best try of the day. Decisive passing and good running saw Kellich Harding on the flank receiving the last pass to score handy to the posts much to the delight of the Ohakune Karioi supportcrs. Final score was 16-9 which was a win the mountain boys nceded to build confidence within the players. They necd to win two of the four games left in the season to stay in first division. They certainly have the ability to do that, especially with the loyalty and support they are getting from the senior reserves and under 19s. Whetu Mareikura played his best game for Ohakune Karioi this season with the rest of the backs impressive. Steve Cameron put in a solid display on the flank oftcn causing the opposition to error. H e surely must be a contcnder for the Wanganui Reps. Richard Mathews and Kellick Harding both had an impressive game winning vital ball for the backs. Greg Taylor showed that with a bit more fitness he could develop into a very good senior prop. For Wanganui Pirates B Patworth was named player of the day and he also showed how to kick goals. Ohakune Karioi's next game is at Ohakune against Hunterville at 3.45 on Saturday. Ohakune Karioi seniors elccted two coachcs, Bruce Cranston for the forwards and Lachlan Harding for the backs at a meeting last Thursday. This follows the resignation of coach Ken George. Training starts 6.30 Tucsday night with a goal kicking competition! Waiouru vs Raetihi Waimarino's two second division senior rugby teams fought an even baltle on Saturday, with Raetihi taking the win. Raetihi scored 1 3 points to Waiouru's close 11. For Raetihi Steve Gordon scored two tries and Gerard Hipango kicked a conversion and a penalty goal. Waiouru's points came from two tries by Steve Guiney and Rick Tawhiri kicked a penalty goal.