Three entertaining premier division games were played and most interest was in how last season’s wooden-spooners Blues would go against last season’s beaten division one finalist Midlands.
Blues dominated the match in Winton through its bigger and stronger ball runners and won 53-26.
Midlands scored the first converted try and then showed a terrific attitude on defence limiting the score to 7-7 after 15 minutes.
The Blues pack provided its backline with forward momentum which was especially enjoyed by midfielder Kalepe Hola, who used his bulk to burst through the much smaller defence.
Midlands first five-eighth Ben McKercher had left the field with a shoulder injury and the half time score got out to 29-7.
Midlands scored two tries to close the gap to 29-19.
Blues dominated the last 20 minutes and roaming fullback Brad Kooman scored his third try. Midlands No8 Sam Brame and blindside Andre Watson got through plenty of work, and young fullback Te Hura Wilson impressed with his courage and skill.
Pirates Old Boys beat the Eastern Northern Barbarians 36-15 at Surrey Park in Invercargill. The Barbarians scored in the first five minutes, before the locals dominated the next 20 minutes scoring four tries. Some poor discipline then allowed the visitors back in the game with a try and a penalty goal before halftime. Trailing 26-15, the Barbarians dominated possession and territory for most of the second half but the home side defence was excellent.
On the few occasions the Hawks got hands on the ball it scored. Hawks hooker Josh Harwood was named man of the match, playmakers Greg Dyer and Issac Te Tamaki were a constant threat while halfback Josh Murrell impressed on debut, as did loose forward Dustin Covenay. The Barbarians’ best was openside Jacob Coghlan.
In the third game, Woodlands beat Star 30-24 and Marist had the bye.
In the division one competition, a couple of the traditionally stronger clubs were tipped up by some clubs on the rise. Tokanui beat Riversdale 27-17 and Pioneer beat Te Anau 41-10.
- John Langford
