Mount so close to beating Tauranga

SO CLOSE: Mount Maunganui's Pera Gibbs hit the post from halfway with a kick to win the match against Tauranga Sports. PHOTO: FILE

The width of the goal post is all that stood between Mount Maunganui Sports beating Tauranga Sports at Tauranga Domain this afternoon.

The Baywide Premier clash between the local rivals came down to a 50 metre penalty kick for goal by Mount Maunganui's Pera Gibbs in injury time with Tauranga ahead 19-17.

Gibbs struck the kick sweetly with the wind behind him and it looked set to fly between the posts until a late gust of wind pushed the ball into the left upright and away to safety.

It brought to an end a forgettable game in ideal playing conditions with both teams guilty of making far too many unforced errors. This was highlighted by the amount of 50:50 balls forced in tackle situations that most often went to ground or the opposition.

Tauranga looked set to run away with it at one stage - with fullback Josh Honey again in scintillating running form at the back - but mistakes allowed the Mounties to keep within range.

Rangataua Sports welcomed Chiefs flanker Mitch Karpik into their pack for the clash with Rotorua's Whakarewarewa and he enjoyed a romp in the sun as Rangataua thrashed Whakarewarewa 71-10.

Te Puna had a 33-22 win over Paroa, Arataki were knocked over at home by Rotoiti 23-20, Te Puke Sports beat Poroporo 38-14 and Greerton were too good for Whakatane Marist winning 62-22 at Rugby Park.

Results:

Premier:
Rotoiti 23 Arataki 20, Tauranga Sports 19 Mount Maunganui 17, Rangataua 71 Whakarewarewa 10, Te Puke Sports 38 Poroporo 14, Te Puna 33 Paroa 22, Greerton Marist 62 Whakatane Marist 22.

Division One:
Te Teko 29 Judea 6, Waimana 36 Opotiki 29, Kahukura 26 Ruatoki 18, Marist St Michaels 90 Katikati 7, Waikite 43 Papamoa 7, Ngongotaha 90 Rangiuru 10.

Development:
Arataki 29 Rotoiti 20, Tauranga Sports 19 Mount Maunganui 12, Rangataua 29 Whakarewarewa 27, Te Puke Sports 93 Poroporo 7, Te Puna 41 Paroa 7, Greerton Marist 75 Whakatane Marist 7.