The Hastings Auto Shoppes Premier team played Taradale, at Tareha Park and what an exciting game it was! The first 30 minutes was all about Taradale as they raced out to a 24 to nil lead! This was on the back of them dominating possession and playing almost error free rugby.
We finally got going in the last 10 minutes of the first half and picked up a converted try to be down 7 – 24 at halftime. The introduction of our bench during the second half helped to get us back into the game.
The return for the first time this year of loose forward, Emil Crichton (61 Games) and also John Lameko and Triumph Voice (back from injury) in the backs brought some energy to the team. So, we got back into the game and scored four tries in the second half and actually had the lead by 33 – 29 with five minutes to go. Unfortunately, some missed tackles saw Taradale score a great try which started from within their half.
From the kick-off we attacked and had a couple of dominant scrums but couldn’t get a penalty out of the ref! We had to settle for two bonus points and feeling that we missed an opportunity. We will dwell on the positives – the impact off the bench and players returning from injury creating the depth we need for future matches. A special mention to POD and loose head prop Blake Tresidder. He has transitioned from hooker and every week more than matches his opponent and is very prominent in the forward exchanges. Oscar Sowman has reached 105 points for the season in nine games – 5 tries, 34 conversions and 4 penalties
This week the Premiers play the improving Bridge Pa at home and the have a break for Kings Birthday weekend. The four Saturdays in June will be very interesting as all the remaining games will be like “TEST MATCHES” and crucial to aim for a semi- final spot.
Point Scorers – John Lameko, Perez Malo, Jordan Thompson-Dunn, Daniel Toal, Bryson Ioane tries, Oscar Sowman 4 conversions.
POD Points: Blake Tresidder 3 points, Taufa Kaufononga & Damarus Hokianga 2, Oscar Sowman 1 point.
