League: Strong first half sets up Whalers' win

Otago Whalers forward Shane Unahi puts the fend on Southland Rams winger Zac Archer during the...
Otago Whalers forward Shane Unahi puts the fend on Southland Rams winger Zac Archer during the representative match at Tahuna Park on Saturday. Photo by Craig Baxter.
A dominant first-half display from the Otago Whalers set up their win over the Southland Rams in the southern zone match played at Tahuna Park on Saturday.

The Whalers made the most of an error-ridden Southland start and held a commanding 28-4 led at the break.

It proved the difference as the Rams came storming back in the second half, outscoring the Whalers 24 points to eight, with four tries to the Whalers' two.

Whalers centre Callum Smith was a constant thorn in the Rams' side. He broke the line on many occasions and scored three tries.

After the match, Whalers co-captain Manassah Kutia praised Smith.

"Callum was huge for us today. He created opportunities and with three tries, we couldn't have asked for more".

Kutia was pleased with the win but said there was plenty his side could work on before it played its next game, against Canterbury A.

Rams captain Korey Pennicott was philosophical in defeat.

"Our first-half completion cost us, but I am proud of the boys and the way we came back in the second half."

Both sides had nervous starts and it was took 13 minutes before Smith scored his first try.

The Rams hit back with a try to winger Micky Seymour before Smith got his second.

The final 20 minutes of the half was dominated by the Whalers and they made the most of their chances to run in three tries.

The Rams came out a different team in the second half. By completing sets and upping their intensity, the Rams got themselves back into the match and trailed just 28-22 with 20 minutes to play.

The Whalers regathered their composure with winger Reece Vaitupu scoring in the right hand corner before Smith scored his third try with a fine 50m run when he got outside his opposite number.

The Rams threw everything at the Whalers in the final 10 minutes but could only come up with one try as the Whalers muscled up on the goal line.

Whalers co-captain Koben Katipa had a fine game. The prop took the ball up strongly and was punishing in the tackle.

For the Rams, Pennicott showed some fine touches and second-rower James Matheson worked hard.

In the Dunedin spring competition, the Harbour Hawks continued their fine form with a 36-12 win over the Kaikorai Silverbacks at Hancock Park.

The Hawks ran in five second-half tries after the scores were locked up at 12-12 at halftime.

Pirates beat a depleted Kia Toa Tigers team 46-12, scoring eight tries to two after leading 18-12 at halftime.

University beat the South Pacific Raiders 34-22, scoring six tries to five in the curtain-raiser at Tahuna Park. The Raiders played most of the match with 10 men and did well to come back in the second half, outscoring University four tries to two after trailing 22-4 at the break.


The scores -
Provincial league

Otago Whalers 36
Callum Smith 3, Kenneth Hemopo, Grant Milne, Jermaine Stone, Reece Vaitupu; James Stevenson-Wright 4 goals

Southland Rams 28
James Matheson 2, Saverio Koroiodi,Micky Seymour, Korey Pennicott, Zane Hiko 4 goals

Halftime: Otago 28-4.


 

 

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