Melville come from behind to beat Morrinsville Sports
3rd April 2011 03:58PM
Melville vs. Morrinsville Sports at Collins Road, April 2nd 2011
By Hamish Forsman
Melville has recorded a dramatic come from behind 18-14 win over Morrinsville Sports in the latest round of Waikato premier division club rugby.
Melville scored 18 unanswered points to win a fast paced game where both sides played positive attacking rugby.
In warm and dry conditions at Collins Road it was Morrinsville who dominated the early stages, with centre Michael Hotene kicking three penalty goals in the first 20 minutes.
Morrinsville then scored the first try of the game in the 27th minute to Number eight Jeff Peek, extending their lead to 14-0.
Just as it looked like Morrinsville were taking control of the match, Melville launched several threatening attacks late in the first half and were rewarded with a try right on half time to Number eight Rick Fluhler.
Despite the slow start Melville coach Wayne Maxwell was always confident his team could turn it around in the second half.
“I just told them to trust in the game plan, hang on to possession and show more patience”, Maxwell said.
Melville came out more organised in the second half and pressure inside the Morrinsville 22 led to halfback Matt Hogg scoring in the 45th minute to get Melville right back into the match at 14-10.
Melville now had the momentum and with just 10 minutes remaining replacement hooker Johnny Tu’ungufasi scored to put his team ahead for the first time in the match 15-14.
Wing Storm McCarthy then added a penalty in the 76th minute and Melville denied Morrinsville possession in the final stages to hang on 18-14, much to the delight of their vocal home support.
Maxwell said “we knew we needed to string more phases together to put pressure on Morrinsville and everyone pulled their weight in the second half”.
He said a better platform was laid in the second half from the tight five, and he was impressed with midfield backs Brett O’Conner and TK Moeke who broke the advantage line on several occasions.
Other Premier division results
Fraser Tech’s backline ran rampant over Te Awamutu Sports to win 54-23.
A solid first half kept University in their game with Hamilton Old Boys, but Old Boys eventually ran out 33-10 winners.
Otorohanga scored a match winning try with three minutes remaining to beat Hamilton Marist 22-18.
Hautapu had a 30-16 win over Te Rapa.
Division one results
Southern United 37 Raglan 3
United Matamata Sports 39 Frankton 24
Leamington 37 Kereone 10
Putaruru 63 Pirongia 7
