TA Sports start with a win
28th March 2011 02:08PM
Te Awamutu Sports vs. Te Rapa at Albert Park, March 26 2011
By Hamish Forsman
Te Awamutu Sports have started the Waikato premier division club rugby season with a convincing win over Te Rapa at Albert Park.
Wet conditions meant both teams struggled for momentum and made plenty of unforced errors. However Te Awamutu’s dominance in territory led to two unconverted tries in each half to secure a 20-0 bonus point win.
Te Awamutu’s opening try after nine minutes came out of nowhere. Wing Inoke Tuibua collected a high ball and went on a 40 metre gliding run through the defence before handing off to fullback Ryan Meacheam to finish.
With five minutes left in the first half Te Awamutu forced a turnover on the Te Rapa 22. The ball was sent wide and centre Jordan Davies outran the cover defence to score, taking them into the half time break with a 10-0 lead.
Te Awamutu’s third try came in the 54th minute after pressure on the Te Rapa goal line was rewarded with a try to lock Luke Rhind.
Five minutes later Te Awamutu had their bonus point when first-five Waylon Tangohau found space on the right side of the Te Rapa defence and unselfishly passing to Inoke Tuibua to score in the corner.
Te Awamutu had several more chances but lacked the finishing touch, and coach Martyn Steffert admitted that new combinations had a part to play.
“We had a few guys coming off only half a game. It is early days and they are still getting used to each other”, Steffert said.
However he was pleased with the first up efforts of his side.
“It was pretty wet all day with consistent rain, so I was happy with how the team went in the conditions”.
Steffert said the wet weather made it a day for the forwards and he was impressed in particular with lock Daniel Gujer and loose forwards Jono Armstrong and Cohen Masson.
Te Awamutu’s next opponent is Fraser Tech who lost to Otorohanga 13-8 in the first round.
Te Rapa will host Hautapu who started with a 22-7 win over University.
In other premier division results Melville upset Hamilton Old Boys 16-14 and Morrinsville Sports beat Hamilton Marist 15-13.
