Rugby: Greerton grind out tough win

Greerton Marist captain Taylor Jones scored one of the opening tries against Rangataua Sports on Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Bay of Plenty Rugby's judiciary committee will have a full house when they meet on Wednesday night after a flurry of red cards on Saturday.

An Opotiki 1st XV player was sent off in the match called off early against Otumoetai College in Opotiki (see report below), while Greerton Marist winger Zane Crosswell and Rangataua Sports prop Joseph Allen also received their marching orders.

Games between Greerton Marist and Rangataua always seem to have an extra edge. Saturday's encounter was blighted by off-ball skirmishes and referee Pat Rae did well to keep the game under control.

In between the nonsense, there was some good rugby played, particularly by Greerton Marist, who won 36-20. They welcomed back Steamers player Tini Nemani for his first run of the season after injury. Their backline is one of the best in the competition, with former Blues development second-five Caleb Hall adding depth to the Bay of Plenty midfield ranks.

Steamers flyer Leroy van Dam was in a class of his own sparking many attacking raids from deep and setting up two of Greerton's five tries.

Rangataua's forward pack had the edge in the set pieces and were well led in the loose by Matt Clutterback but they were not able to do much with the ball they won.

Greerton's win moves them up the table into a share of fifth on 16 points with Rangataua. Both clubs are still well in the hunt for a semifinal spot.

Greerton coach Kevin Lee was happy with the win and recent performances after losing the opening three games without a bonus point.

"We were right at the bottom and just have to keep clawing our way up. Game by game we have to try and win and get bonus points and see where it ends up at the end of the season,' he said.

"If it means we don't make the semis because of those three losses then so be it, but we have done the best we can since then."

Tauranga Sports (30) and Te Puke Sports (27) remain firmly in the top two spots after expected easy wins over the competition lightweights. Rotoiti (21) defeated Whakatane Marist 55-24 to stay third while Mount Maunganui Sports beat Whakarewarewa 31-20 at Blake Park to clinch fourth spot.

Mount Maunganui opened the scoring in the opening minutes through Matt Axtens and led 19-10 at half time before scoring twice in the second spell to dominate the game.

Whakarewarewa scored a late try to close the gap but have now slipped back to seventh place.