North Otago sports roundup

Rugby

Old Boys halted Valley's unbeaten run of seven wins in Citizens Shield when it outplayed the competition leader in an entertaining exhibition.

Old Boys won the game 40-24 , scoring six tries to four.

Excelsior had a 45-21 victory over Kurow at Kurow, while Maheno scored seven tries in beating Athletic Marist, 41-26. Athletic halfback Anthony Arty scored three tries and three conversions for the losing side.

Old Boys opened the scoring when flanker Toni Taufa scored the first of his two tries for Inoke Naufahu to convert.

Ten minutes into the game, Valley fullback Howard Packman beat many defenders and raced 48m to score a converted try.

Old Boys led 21-12 at the break with two further tries and Valley captain Cameron Rowland scoring just before the break.

Midway through the second half Old Boys built up momentum and lock Unga Kefu finished off the move. Naufahu's conversion took Old Boys to a 33-17 lead.

Fifteen minutes from fulltime Old Boys broke from inside its 22 and centre Taani Vaitohi touched down, for Naufahu to convert.

Valley had the final say when centre Matthew Vocea scored for McKenzie to convert.

Excelsior moved into second place when it scored its seventh win for the season defeating Kurow at Kurow, 45-21.

The visiting team dominated the first half, running in tries to midfielder Antonio Misiloi, centre Taina Taumo and prop Will Sunderland to lead 21-0 at halftime.

Misiloi went in for his second try to have his side well ahead before Kurow got on the board when first five-eighth Tyler Burgess scored for Sam McDonald to convert.

Kurow's Sam Fleming took his side into double figures with McDonald's conversion before Taumo went in for his third, which Kayne Middleton converted, to put Excelsior into a 45-14 lead. Kurow's Ben Nowell touched down to complete the scoring.

Maheno dominated its game with Athletic Marist, going out to a 17-0 halftime lead after winger Adam Johnston went in for two tries and fullback Cannan Elvines added a third, one of which was converted by centre Sam Tatupu.

Tries to Maheno first five eighth Lachie Kingan (2) and flankers, Jason Attfield and Brenton Scott while Tatupu added the rest of the points with his boot.

Athletic Marist kept close in the first half, at one stage trailing 22-21, and halfback Anthony Arty had a game to remember with his three tries.

Netball

Waitaki Girls' Wildfire learnt some harsh lessons in premier netball on Saturday as it appeared to be unable to get out of second gear against a team like Valley Gold, which won 47-34.

For Valley Gold, Shay Frost (GA) proved that she can play at both ends of the court. Leann Mavor (C) was strong and P J Bell playing up from the Silver side, caused upsets at GD.

In a low-scoring encounter, both Waitaki Girls' Lightning Strike and St Kevin's played well, with quick movements down court,

but shooting percentages were well down on previous weeks in a 26-all draw. The pick of the Lightning Strike team was Kaitlyn King (WA) and Laura Dunshea (C) while Maikale Fifita proved her talent playing in a number of different positions.

Kurow was composed against Valley Silver, taking control right from the start. The second and fourth quarters were very close. Amber Direen (GK) worked tirelessly while Celia van Campen was great on attack at WA and C. Kurow won 28-15.

Maheno Green eventually found its momentum against Athletic Maroon, even though the side lost Briar Wilson (GK) with a knee injury.

Strong defence by Rachel Armstrong (GK) and Mel Smith (GD) and slick feeding by Shannon Vince and Kat Kawau gave Maheno lots of shooting opportunities.

For Athletic Monique Lewis (GA) and Blayze Tisdall (GD) worked hard as Maheno won 33-18.

 - Terry O'Neill

Add a Comment