West Coast wing Luke Hughes starred in a 27-3 Heartland Championship Lochore Cup rugby victory against Thames Valley in Greymouth today.
Hughes scored a crucial try early in the second half to give the hosts a 14-point lead then produced two trysaving tackles off the resulting kickoff to effectively end Thames Valley's hopes of a comeback.
West Coast's forwards were run over through much of the match but keeping the ball close to the ruck ensured they did not make too many mistakes in the driving rain.
Prop Blair Mirfin scored West Coast's first try in the opening 10 minutes from a forward rumble after a lineout.
First five-eighth Jason Merrett added the conversion and then a penalty, both kicks from the sideline in a strong, swirling wind.
Thames Valley responded with a penalty by second five-eighth David Harrison.
Hughes scored his try from a long grubber kick ahead by Merrett, outpacing the Thames Valley chasers to collect a handy bounce and dive over.
Thames Valley had their chances as centre Joe Murray and wing Matt Naivalu took advantage of some defensive holes but a lack of support often meant they lost possession.
Prop Sam Dury finished off the game nicely for West Coast, capitalising on a Thames Valley lost lineout to nab an easy try.
West Coast 27 (Blair Mirfin, Luke Hughes, Sam Dury tries; Jason Merrett 2 pen, 3 con) Thames Valley 3 (David Harrison pen). Halftime: 10-3.
