- By Neville Shirley
A top-of-the-table clash was in store for the Pakuranga United Rugby Club premiers when they took on Ponsonby at Western Springs on Saturday.
It offered the chance to test themselves and gauge their progression for the year. Great weather greeted us on the day ready for running rugby.
For reasons unknown to me we started slowly and didn’t match the physicality of Ponsonby and within three minutes they’d scored, putting us on the back foot from the start.
One issue which we’ll be working on is execution once we get into positions to dominate. Turning the ball over at crucial times doesn’t allow for any momentum.
A second try after 15 minutes made things worse but it did kick-start the lads into action. Getting a period on attack and holding on to possession meant the forwards could get into the game.
This resulted in Moses Hafoka crashing over in the corner putting us on the score sheet. However this failed to turn the tide and only fired up Ponsonby with two further tries prior to the half-time break.
With the score at 26-5 the second half started as the first-half finished. The Ponsonby forwards continued to dominate the tussle and put another try on the board five minutes into the half.
Moses Hafoka was again in the action and scored from a rolling maul from a lineout.
From the kick-off we seemed to switch off again and allowed Ponsonby to push their way into our half after a kicking duel, which we lost and they scored again.
The coaches made changes, some forced by injury and other tactically and finally we appeared to dominate the last quarter of the game spearheaded by Reynhardt Schutte.
He came on and led by example with some bruising runs and a never-give-up attitude.
Player of the day Setefano Leavasa was also a standout around the field but it was difficult to do it by himself.
Pakuranga dominated both possession and territory, and as a result put three tries on the board, two of which were converted.
Tries were scored by Ezekiel Wyn, Tane Dunn and Harlyn Saunoa, with conversions by Michaile Van Wyk. The fact the last three tries were scored by the backs was a direct result of the great work done by the forwards.
That allowed the backs space and the opportunity to get mismatches and one-on-one scenarios so players could use their skills to beat the opposition in open play.
The old adage “if only we started like we finished” comes to mind, with the game finishing 40-29 to Ponsonby.
We’re off to Eden for next week’s fixture and will be looking to put in a better first-half performance.
Thanks again for your support and our lads will continue to do you proud.
