Yahweh Jhanke, who played his 50th match for Districts earlier this season, was one of their best in the loss to the Eels. Photo Dan Tasker
Taumarunui Eels proved too strong for their crosstown rivals Taumarunui Districts in an entertaining battle last Saturday.
Eels ran out 26-20 victors in the clash at the Taumarunui Domain, home of Districts.
Heading into the contest, Districts had won matches against Kio Kio United, Bush United and Waitomo and were sitting in fourth place, while the Eels started strongly with two good wins against Bush United and Kio Kio, but three straight losses had seen them slip back a touch.
Eels had given up big leads in their last three matches and allowed a similar thing to happen against Districts.
It’s a match both teams target on the calendar each year and often attracts a big Taumarunui crowd. Districts opened the scoring through a penalty goal to first five Tyrone Beban on the back of some strong carries through their forwards.
A mistake off the kickoff allowed the Eels to get the ball and a kick into the corner saw them turn Districts over and they spread the ball, with centre Josh Couper scoring the opening try.
Strong carries from Yahweh Jhanke and Ben Moffett allowed some space out wide, which flanker Leveson Gower exploited, racing 20 metres to score the first try for Districts.
The home side, after an extended period of play deep in the Eels 22, scored their second try through Beban, who bumped his way past a couple of defenders from a scrum to score.
The score was 17-5 at halftime to Districts, who dominated the first half.
Some stern words from Eels coach Rob Sherson must have worked as they came out firing and dominated the second half, outscoring Districts 21 points to three in the second half.
Districts scored the first points of the second half with a penalty goal to Beban and with less than 30 minutes to go it looked like they would run away with the contest.
Eels had other ideas as they used their forwards to good effect, rumbling their way towards the line with some strong carries.
A strong lineout drive helped the Eels pick up their second try through a pick and go to George Birkett.
Soon after, Eels reduced Districts lead to one through a try to Robbie Alabaster, which was converted by Kaylem-Winiata Dunster, setting up an exciting final 10 minutes.
A huge scrum with minutes remaining saw Couper squeeze over near the post to get Eels ahead 26-20.
Districts had a chance late to win it, but the lineout was overthrown, securing the win for the Eels.
Julian Goulding, Mike Bryant, Will Porritt and Sam Archibald were superb for the Eels up front, while in the backs Couper looked strong with limited chances.
Although he spent 10 minutes in the bin, Eels’ George Birkett was the best player on the park and his match-up with Districts flanker Leveson Gower was a real highlight.
Districts’ best were Yahweh, Moffett, Beban and Travis Coogan, while Te Atarau McGhee looks a player to watch when in space.
Waitete moved into the top four with a hard-fought 26-3 win over Taupō Marist. The Te Kūiti based side have started to play some cracking rugby and look to improve each week.
Piopio outclassed Waitomo 35-20 in what was a cracking contest, and Kio Kio United fell to a 32-18 loss to Taupō Sports in what was a spirited effort.
Tongariro United were too powerful for the ever-improving Bush United, winning 32-20.
This weekend sees Kio Kio United host Waitete, and Bush United welcome Piopio to Benneydale Domain.
Districts travel to Taupō to face Taupo Marist, the Eels host Waitomo and Tongariro battle Taupō Sports.
