Centre Timo Vaiusu is seven games short of 100 for Hastings Rugby and Sports in Hawke’s Bay’s premier club rugby competition
But he is playing with the enthusiasm of a first-season player. He is the fittest and fastest he has been in his eight seasons with the team and his midfield combination with second five-eighth Neria Fomai was a key factor in their 27-20 win against Progressive Meats Havelock North in their seventh round Tui Nash Cup fixture at Anderson Park today.
“I’m just trying to do my best for the boys. Put the improved pace and fitness levels down to all the work I’m doing in the Magpies wider training group and the advice from that bloke,” Vaiusu explained as Magpies head coach Mark Ozich wandered over to congratulate him on his display.
The only aspect of the 26-year-old Kimi Ora Community School’s teacher aide’s performance which wasn’t up to scratch was his goalkicking. Vaiusu slotted only one of his three attempts at goal before substitute first five-eighth Star Timu took over the job.
“I’m only the No 3 goal kicker behind Danny [Toala] and I [Ioane Ioane] who were both away this week and I didn’t have much time to practise,” Vaiusu said.
Hooker Jacob Devery and openside flanker Jardine Chung Ching had high workrates in the winning pack. The below-strength Progressive Meats Havelock North side paid the price for a mistake-ridden first half.
However the villagers deserve praise for fighting back and securing a bonus point after trailing 17-3 at halftime. United States flanker Tony Lamborn displayed the benefits of his extensive first class career while No 8 Albert Hemopo also had memorable patches in the host pack.
First five-eighth Matt Hill did well considering he is normally a winger or fullback and the Paewai twins Kalin and Jesse had some classy moments in the villagers backline.