HARD RUNNER: Jason Sione hits the ball up against Melville in Ōtorohanga’s 41-19 victory on Good Friday. PHOTO: LORRAINE FOX
There’s plenty to like about the Ōtorohanga Golds this year.
They showed they’re a team on the rise with their 41-19 victory over Melville at Collins Road on Good Friday.
Having to play twice in less than a week is not ideal for club players, however, it did little to disrupt them as they produced a standout first half to pick up the much needed five points.
Fullback Kauri Coffin, who often popped up on the wing as he was interchanging with Te Amo Wilbore, crashed over for the first try after a break by new Fijian recruit Tevita Madrai.
He bagged the second from a charged down kick, while Ōtorohanga managed two more first half tries – one from a tight head scrum and the other from a short side play started by halfback Maia George.
In the second half they scored two more tries but weren’t as dominant, allowing Melville back into the contest at certain times.
Golds’ manager Merv Carr said it was a good showing against a physical Melville side.
“In the first half the guys took the most of their opportunities and played good clinical rugby. It’s always tough going up to Melville. We started well, held onto possession and absorbed what they threw at us.”
Carr said the win was a step in the right direction for the Golds.
“It was a small step forward for us. It’s a very tough competition. Everyone can beat each other and that was certainly the case in Friday’s contest.”
The short turnaround didn’t hinder the side as they were able to play with freedom.
With Dominic Clapcott, Hamish Clapcott, Kauri Coffin, Hutana Coffin Jr, Te Amo Wilbore, Madrai, George, Eseroma Nabalawa, Ryan McNeil and Austin Lupton, they have some tremendous firepower in the backs, while the likes of hard-running Savenaca Malumuvatu, Rick Isabella, Taniela Vatunicoko, Doug Clapcott, Sivamiolo Lumelume, Jason Sione and Murray Iti provide plenty of go-forward up front with ball in hand.
Carr said there were some pleasing aspects of the game and some definite work ons.
“It was great to get the bonus point in the first half, but I felt like after halftime they wanted it more than us. We went off the boil a bit.
“Our scrum went well, but we need to work on defence with the rolling maul. They definitely exploited us there, and I know the coaches were doing some work on that area at training on Tuesday night.”
Carr said guys like Sione were great to have in the side.
“He’s just a good hard-working player who is a valuable asset to our team.”
Three players who are making a real difference to the side this year are the Clapcott brothers, Doug, Dominic and Hamish.
Doug is the captain and plays on the side of the scrum, Dominic controls the backline from first five, while Hamish is a hard-running midfield back who loves taking the ball into contact.
“It’s great having the brothers in the squad. It’s awesome seeing them out on the park together and they all want to play rugby. They all add to the side.”
The Blues also picked up a good win over Melville 24-12 with halfback Liam Fox a standout in the win.
Lock Daniel Doyle played well, as did winger Lupton and number eight Bradley Anderson.
The women didn’t have a game. This weekend all three teams take on University of Waikato in what will be tough fixtures.
“They’re not an easy side. No one is in this competition. It’s always challenging playing there but we’re hopeful we can go across and get the points. Hopefully all three Ōtorohanga sides can win.”
University currently sit bottom in the premier grade, but Carr knows they won’t be an easy challenge.
