Kaikorai halfback Henry Scott outpaces Dunedin defender Ethan Hall to score during a Dunedin division 1 club game at Kettle Park last month. PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN Kaikorai have ‘‘clicked into gear’’. The defending champions moved into second place in the Dunedin division 1 competition at the weekend thanks to a comprehensive 56-20 win over University. They ran in eight tries and first five Ben Miller kicked all eight conversions in an impressive display, albeit against a University side missing several players. That said, coach Monty Mitchell was thrilled with the performance. ‘‘We started a wee bit slow, but once we sort of clicked into gear, we really showed in that middle 40 what we can do,’’ Mitchell said. That was right about when the Kaikorai pack wrestled control of the game. You cannot give a team like Kaikorai too much front-foot ball. No 8 Orlando Tuhega-Vaitupu, halfback Taine Hand and Miller had the time, space and vision to exploit the opportunities. Winger Jake Hill bagged three tries and captain Charlie Breen shone from fullback. Seasoned loose forward Slade McDowall, lock Lachlan Stevens and prop Moana Takataka were influential as well. Tuhega-Vaitupu’s commanding performance stood out, though. ‘‘Orlando’s had a great start to the season,’’ Mitchell said. ‘‘He’s had a few injuries in the previous years that have sort of held him back a wee bit and he’s just had a real good run with his body. It’s just allowed him to grow and he’s developed into a pretty handy No 8 for us.’’ Breen’s contribution on the field is obvious. He is elusive and pretty rapid, which are good qualities for an outside back. But Mitchell said his leadership skills had really grown, and he was making a big impact off the field as well. Miller is another key player for the Demons. His goalkicking has been excellent and he brings so much experience, while up front Stevens is an unsung hero. ‘‘He’s probably gone under the radar a wee bit. He really puts in a lot of effort around leading our defensive lineouts. ‘‘In attack, he’s got a very good skillset and he’s bringing a level of physicality as well that’s building.’’ Some of Kaikorai’s injury woes have lifted in the last few weeks, and Highlanders loosie Lucas Casey is expected back ‘‘in the next week or so’’ from higher duties. He was at training earlier in the week and is hungry to return for his club. The season is tracking nicely for Kaikorai, who play Harbour at Watson Park tomorrow. Kaikorai thumped the Hawks 66-22 in early May. But Harbour beat Dunedin 52-12 on Saturday, which suggests they will be a handful. ‘‘Last year the same thing happened in the first round and we went out there in the second round and they gave us a lot of trouble, and this year will be no different. ‘‘Taylor Dale’s back and he’s playing some good rugby. They’ve got a big forward back, and when they get momentum, they’re very difficult to stop. ‘‘So yeah, that’s going to be a challenge for us. But I feel like we’re trending in the right direction and hopefully we can go out there and execute our game plan.’’ University have a tough road bouncing back. They will host Taieri, who beat them 55-26 at Peter Johnstone Park two weeks ago. Dunedin host Green Island in the other fixture. Green Island have lost four of their past five games, including a 52-24 loss to Dunedin. adrian.seconi@odt.co.nz
