Pirates Old Boys carried on its winning way with a 27-0 win in round four of the Southland premier competition at Woodlands on Saturday.
Both teams attempted to play an attacking brand of rugby despite the greasy conditions. Woodlands dominated territory and possession in the opening exchanges but its momentum was slowed when first five-eighth Marty McKenzie was knocked out just 10 minutes into the game.
Pirates then got its hands on the ball and put some phases together and looked the better team for the next 30 minutes. Wing Materua Tupou scored the game’s first try just before halftime.
After the resumption, Pirates played with good control and discipline and it was not long before first five-eighth Greg Dyer went over under the posts.
With 20 minutes remaining, Dyer added a penalty goal which extended the lead to 15 points. Woodlands attempted a comeback but a sustained period on attack went unrewarded.
The Hawks’ confidence soared. In the last 10 minutes, Pirates scored back-to-back tries to hooker Tua Tuapati and fullback Kepu Suli to earn the bonu- point win.
Openside flanker Ben Keenan was best on show, and blindside Dustin Coveney was also outstanding. Halfback Josh Murrell again impressed in his debut season. Tuapati and flanker Anton Huisman made a massive impact off the bench.
This was the second loss in a row for the defending champion Woodlands side after being beaten by Marist last month.
In the other two premier games, Blues beat Star 33-21 at Waverly Park and Marist downed Midlands 49-26 at Miller Street. The Eastern Northern Barbarians had the bye.
In the division one competition for the Eastern Southland Trophy, the Wallis Shield was on the line between Edendale and Tokanui. Edendale won 34-33 with its man of the match, Jeremy McLeod ,scoring two tries.
The Northern Southland trophy was also up for grabs between Riversdale and Te Anau. Riversdale won the Bedford-Compton Shield 33-5 after leading 26-0 at halftime. Nathan Bokser was the standout player.
In division two Bluff outmuscled and outsmarted DLS 22-19 at the port town on Saturday.
- John Langford
