Hamilton Old Boys go to top of the table
1st May 2011 11:54AM
By Hamish Forsman
Hamilton Old Boys are the new leaders in Waikato premier division club rugby after a dramatic win over Otorohanga.
A converted try with two minutes remaining secured Old Boys a 19-17 win to end Otorohanga’s unbeaten start to the season.
The game was played at a high intensity from the outset and after the first quarter Old Boys held a 6-3 lead.
But with half an hour gone it was Otorohanga who struck the first significant blow.
Quick ball through the backline put wing Sekove Seriki into space, and he drew the last line of the defence in the tackle to send centre Rupeni Seduadua over in the corner.
Penalties were traded before half time and Otorohanga took an 11-9 lead into the half time break.
In the second half the teams cancelled each other out as each attacking raid was met with good defence from both sides.
A drop goal from first five Hone Wanden pushed Otorohanga’s lead out to 17-12 with 20 minutes remaining.
An impressive defensive effort in the last quarter from Otorohanga looked like it would be enough to keep the lead.
But with barely two minutes left on the clock the defence finally cracked and Old Boys number eight Adam Burn scored from the back of a scrum to tie the scores.
Fullback Kane Adams converted 10 metres in from the sideline to give Old Boys the lead.
With time expired Otorohanga made one last threatening attacking movement but Old Boys hung on to get their fifth win of the season.
Other premier division results
Melville 12 Hamilton Marist 16
University 5 Fraser Tech 78
Te Rapa 14 Morrinsville 32
Hautapu 31 Te Awamutu Sports 16
Division one results
Leamington 17 Pirongia 17
Raglan 33 Frankton 55
Southern United 30 Putaruru 31
Hinuera 83 Kereone 5
Taupiri 21 United Matamata Sports 22
