- By Neville Shirley
The Pakuranga United Rugby Club Premiers were up for a tough contest when they took on Waitemata last Saturday.
With a long trek across town to take on their opponents on a day that was a bit gloomy with rain and sunshine at time, a typical Auckland day one would say.
Pakuranga started well and put pressure on Waitemata in the early stages.
They had opportunities to put points on the board but handling errors let them off the hook and to Waitemata’s credit they didn’t make it easy.
They fought back for every inch Pakuranga gained and it was a bit of individual brilliance which made a break through the defence, resulting in a try 13 minutes into the first half to Moses Hafoka.
Waitemata kicked off and managed to get their hands on the ball, retaining possession and forcing Pakuranga back into their 22m.
They sustained pressure resulting in Waitemata forcing their way over in the corner, out flanking us after a concerted forward set of drives close to the ruck, midfield, three minutes after we’d scored.
Obviously not what the coaches were after.
The game then went into a period on attack and counter-attack from both teams where they had the chance to score but were repelled.
The first half ended even at 5-5.
The second half started as it had finished with both teams not capitalising on opportunities they created.
It was Waitemata who put the next points on the board with a penalty out in front of the posts to make it 8-5.
This and a couple of substitutions were the turning point, sparking Pakuranga into action and finally putting some phases together and playing the game plan the coaches wanted.
That allowed Sione Fifita to run in for a try at the 55min mark, converted by George Sims.
A much more comprehensive game continued and this allowed for three more tries to Reynhardt Schutte, Riley Harrison and a second to Sione Fifita.
Conversions by George Sims and Michaile Van Wyk mad the final score 31-8.
Talking to the Waitemata supporters after the match they believed they’d be in the contest to the 50-minute marks as that’s been their trend to date.
Players who stood out were Randle Baker, Sean Carter, Michaille Van Wyk and player-of-the-day Moses Hafoka
This week we’re at home to Grammar Tech so a real challenge moving into the final weeks.
Look forward to see you down at Bell Park at 2.45pm to support the team.
Thanks again for your support and our lads will continue to do you proud.
