Kio Kio winger Rupeni Vosayaco running the ball against Piopio. PHOTO AGGIE MOLI PHOTOGRAPHY
It took a couple of weeks, but Waitete have found some form.
Winless after two rounds, they were heading into last Saturday’s match against second-place Tongariro United, needing a win.
That is exactly what transpired as they picked up a hard-fought 38-29 win at Rugby Park in Te Kūiti.
Waitete coach Donny Karaitiana said it was a fantastic performance from the side.
“It’s been a bit of a slow start to the season but that was a great win. I think last year we lost to them three times in the one season, so it was nice to beat them.”
Like all clubs, Waitete have suffered their fair share of injuries early in the season, but have kept trucking along.
“It’s like every other club at the moment, we’ve just had to carry on.”
There were plenty of standouts for Waitete in their win including Ben Needham who did a great job at halfback and fellow Waitete coach Craig Bell who jumped in as hooker and produced a sterling effort.
“There was bit of niggle in the match from both sides, but we carried on and got the win.”
Karaitiana said prop Ryan Joyce, who dotted down in the win, had a storming game and Jared Crosland was outstanding.
Sam Adams was another to play well. Dallas Karaitiana at number eight was man of the match for an inspired effort at the boot of the scrum and round the park, while in the backs Diego Rangi and Carlos Karaitiana were also fantastic along with Baven Brown Jr who picked up a superb solo try.
This week they face Bush United, who are hurting after their 48-0 loss to Districts.
“They will be tough. We always have a good battle with Bush United and hopefully we can head down there and get the job done.”
Against Districts, Bush were always up against it with just 15 players, and despite the scoreline were in the contest for the whole match.
“Bush really stuck at it and gave our guys a good workout.
“It was nice to win but credit to Bush for coming down here and getting stuck in with no subs. They played well,” Taumarunui Districts coach Matt Lord said.
“The guys played well. It was good to get a win.
“Obviously having Josh (Lord) was a big bonus but all the other guys fronted as well. It was a great day down at the domain.”
Kio Kio United went close to registering their first win of the competition, falling 21-14 to a plucky Piopio side in an entertaining contest.
The two country teams brought a physical element to the clash as they attacked and defended strongly for the entire 80 minutes.
Taupō Marist tipped over Taumarunui Eels 24-19 in Taupō, the second time in three rounds the Eels had played in Taupō.
Waitomo, who were at home to Taupō Sports, found the going too difficult as they slumped to a 66-7 loss.
The home side were down on personnel but refused to give up for the entire 80 minutes.
This weekend Taumarunui Eels host Taupō Sports, Bush United welcome Waitete, Kio Kio travel to face Tongariro United, Piopio face Taupō Marist away and Waitomo are at home to Taumarunui Districts.
