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