PERFECTION: Waitomo take a lineout in their clash against Bush United on Easter Friday. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Another strong forward display helped Waitomo to a hard-fought win in round two of the King Country Rugby Competition.
They defeated Bush United 29-17 at Benneydale to make it back-to-back wins to start the King Country competition.
It was an entertaining contest with Waitomo managing to secure the bonus point with some outstanding tries, while Bush United played some cracking rugby when they had the opportunity.
Bush United were in the contest for the entire 80 minutes and could easily have knocked over the green-and-blacks in what was a physical encounter.
Waitomo coach Ollie Kay said it was tough contest.
“Bush United were incredibly physical; full credit to them. It was our most physical contest of the season so far.
“They really bought it to us across the park and I’m just pleased the guys fronted and got us the bonus point win.”
Kay said like all teams they had plenty to work on, but two wins to start the campaign was a positive.
“It’s a tough competition. We’re not a strong team, we’re a solid team. We are just a group of hard-working players who play for each other. We’re not flashy, we just get stuck in and give it all we have.”
This weekend they have Taupō Sports and Kay, who was forced to play 60 minutes last weekend, is under no illusion as to how tough the weekend will be.
“They are the top team in the competition. We are fortunate to be playing them at home but it’s going to be a mammoth task. We lost three key guys to injury last week and we have another three out with a wedding.
“We will be down on personnel, but our forwards should still be strong, so we hope to challenge them up front. A bit of rain on Saturday would be welcomed in Waitomo.”
Hooker Sean Wanden, lock Dylan Coull and halfback Vavao Afemai have been standouts in the first couple of weeks for Waitomo, while Bush United’s best have been Lewis Taitoko, David Tutaki and Af Hepi.
Piopio retained the JR Shield with their 20-12 win over rivals Waitete, started in honour of James Ritchie who played for Waitete but was a big part of the Piopio community before his death a few years ago.
Piopio coach Carl Carmichael said it was good to retain the shield.
“Thursday night was a good battle, few mistakes at night as expected but we made a big improvement in defence. There was a lot to like about the performance but also plenty to work on.”
Kaleb Foote and Jackson Hurley have been superb for Piopio and will be looking to lead the way against Kio Kio this Saturday.
“Once again we will have to be on our game defensively against Kio Kio and we will continue to iron out our attack patterns. We have been getting more value at trainings now with more players turning up.”
Waitete’s best in the defeat were Tamaki Kopa, Jared Crosland, Carlos Karaitiana and Stafford Ormsby.
Waitete welcome Tongariro United to Rugby Park in Te Kūiti.
Taumarunui Eels made it successive wins with a 33-19 win over Kio Kio in what was an entertaining night clash.
Flanker Julian Golding, number eight Josef Allen and second five Tyrone Pakau shone for the Eels, while Tala Moli, Laine Frazer and Iafeta Purcell provided plenty of go forward for Kio Kio in what was an encouraging display.
Taumarunui Districts fell to an impressive Tongariro United 41-21 with the side unable to snare the win for tight forward Yahweh Jhanke in his 50th game.
He was a standout as was Tautoko Bradley and Nathaniel Smith.
This weekend Districts host Bush United in what should be a cracking contest at the Taumarunui Domain.
