Rugby: Greerton sound loud warning

Tane Howe scored one of Greerton Marist's six tries in the big win over Rangataua on Saturday. Photo/Andrew Warner

Look out for Greerton Marist if they make the Bayfair Baywide top four play-offs in three weeks' time.

A dazzling second half performance of running rugby netted 33 unanswered points for Greerton as they blew Rangataua off Waipuna Park by 38-10 on Saturday. The popular trend for teams at all levels to kick the ball aimlessly to the opposition's back three plays into Greerton's hands perfectly.

They are a potent attacking force from the back and are probably the most dangerous broken play runners in the competition.

Rangataua thought they were in with a chance leading 10-5 at halftime, after a fine try set up by elusive halfback Alex Jessop and finished off by Kanin Clancy, but the lead had much to do with the strong wind blowing diagonally down the field in their favour in the opening 40 minutes.

In the second stanza they could not get their hands on the ball and were over-run by wave after wave of athletic Greerton ball-runners.

The spectre of last week's Steamers squad naming revved up players on both sides for different reasons.

Greerton's Tino Nemani, Leroy van Dam and Joe Tupe celebrated their inclusion with dominant performances, especially in the last 25 minutes of the game. But it was centre Tyrone Lefau who was the standout performer, with his strong defence and some slashing breaks that set up several tries.

Lefau had plenty to prove after the former Western Force player was left out of the Steamers in favour of four midfielders, including Rangataua's Siaosi Iongi, who Lefau out-pointed on Saturday.

On this form he can not be far away from the Steamers and no doubt will be in contention for a wider training group slot to be announced after the club semifinals.

Greerton halfback Ryan Buchanan shone throughout the game, especially his running from the edge of the rucks.

New lock Max Turnwald was a real presence around the park and in the lineouts, playing in just his second game.

Greerton's bench strength was another positive.

Replacement No 8 Joe Key scored two tries within four minutes to take the game away from Rangataua and put his hand up for a Bay Development team slot.

Greerton Marist 38 (Joe Key 2, Tino Nemani, Tane Howe, Walter Downey, Joe Tupe tries; Tim O'Malley con, Josh Evemy 2 cons, Tyrone Lefau con) Rangataua 10 (Kanin Clancy try; Ed Poynter con; Daiyu Ishimori drop goal). HT: 10-5 Rangataua