Ōtorohanga Golds have achieved their first goal of the season, making the top five of the Waikato Club Rugby Premiership Competition.
Victory on Saturday against neighbours and local rivals Te Awamutu means they can head into this weekend’s clash at Island Reserve against high-flying Hamilton Marist with little to prove.
The 27-13 victory was the perfect way to bounce back from their defeat the previous weekend, where they produced a sub-par performance and were hammered by Fraser Tech 43-17.
Played in horrendous conditions, Ōtorohanga adapted better and made the most of their chances.
They scored three tries in the victory, with barnstorming number eight Sivamiolo Lumelume barging over for a well-deserved double, while replacement halfback Ryan McNeil also squeezed through a hole to dot down.
First five Dominic Clapcott was deadly with the boot, nailing all three conversions and two penalty goals.
The Golds sit third in the standings on 27 points, one ahead of Hamilton Old Boys and will be joined in the top five by Marist, Hautapu and either of University or Te Awamutu.
Saturday’s effort came on the back of an outstanding forward performance, according to manager Merv Carr.
“Our forwards were superb. The guys played in the worst conditions they had in years and adapted well. It was 5-3 at halftime and then we pulled away in the second half.
“We used the conditions really well and I must say I don’t think they did. In the second half, Dom just put us down their end and then we put them under pressure made the most of the chances we had.”
A few players were touch and go for the contest earlier in the week, but Carr said they pulled through.
“It was nice to play close to our best side this week. The guys have been working hard and making the top five was just the first step.”
Once again, their scrum was strong, although it could still get better, while the lineout needed work.
“By the end of the game I felt we were really dominating them in the scrum.”
Carr said the front row of Savenaca Malumuvatu, Tai Edwards and Taniela Vatunicoko were outstanding in the win, alongside Lumelume and skipper Doug Clapcott.
“The forwards rolled up their sleeves and really got stuck in and when the backs got the ball, they did something with it.”
There was plenty riding on the performance, with big lock Paulo Sione celebrating his 50th match, while his fellow locking partner Jeremy Iti and replacement forward Chris Keech were playing their 100th matches for the club.
“It was a big day and the boys fronted. It was nice to celebrate a victory for those three.”
He said this weekend against Hamilton Marist could be a chance to rest some personnel.
“I don’t know what Hutana and the guys are looking at doing but the match means nothing now so it could be a good chance to give a few of our key guys a week off to freshen them up for what will be a tough top five.”
The Blues also knocked over Te Awamutu, who sit second in the development grade to keep their top five chances alive.
The 19-12 win was much needed and saw them play some good rugby in the conditions.
They sit fifth heading into Saturday’s clash with table toppers Hamilton Marist.
Meanwhile, the women were defaulted to by Putaruru the weekend before and then fell to a 60-0 defeat to the impressive Hamilton Old Boys’ women’s side.
