Rugby: Injury ravaged Te Puke just manage to hold on

Jono Kitto scored a crucial try in his debut start for Te Puke v Rotoiti on Saturday. Photo/George Novak

When have four halfbacks started in the same backline in a Baywide premier game?

Possibly the only time was for Te Puke Sports against Rotoiti on Saturday, as the premier leaders put aside a chronic injury crisis to defeat the excellent side from Rotorua 12-9 in an old-fashioned arm wrestle at Murray Salt Stadium.

Halfbacks Jono Kitto (9), Andy Lee (10), Rameka Poihipi (12) and Carlos Savage (15) all played crucial roles in keeping Rotoiti tryless throughout a match that was spoiled by both sides' inability to catch and pass.

So many errors caused a lack of continuity and far too many scrum restarts for most observers' tastes, but there was certainly no lack of willing physicality throughout the tense 80 minutes.

Rotoiti players were unimpressed about the match-winning try awarded to Te Puke hooker Matt Wallis, after a flurry of bodies piled up over the goal line. But Rotoiti had a chance in the last play of the match, as they drove forward to within a metre of the Te Puke line, only to turn the ball over to the delight of the good sized crowd on the sidelines.

Rotoiti had the better of the opening 40 minutes, and with Tyson Ripia, younger brother of Steamers pivot Willie, controlling play well they looked most likely to score.

But Ripia's penalty goal was the only score of the half as both backlines struggled to make any headway.

It was Kitto, Te Puke's new halfback recruited from Canterbury, who opened the game up with a solo try after a brilliant break from the base of a scrum that fooled the Rotoiti defence.

But the expected home dominance never came and with Steamers prospect Jesse Acton in telling form at No8, Rotoiti looked assured as they took control leading 9-5 through Ripia's educated boot.

The introduction of Dan O'Rourke, back playing after a long term injury, bolstered the Te Puke go-forward and he combined well with impressive blindside flanker David Whitecliffe-Davies to set up the final assault on the Rotoiti line.

Hooker Wallis was awarded the crucial try by referee Brett Johnson, which fullback Savage converted with a fine kick, to clinch the 12-9 victory and retain top spot on the points table.

A player to watch is Te Puke No8 Enu Wano, who was a star in last year's Rotorua Boys' High School First XV.

Te Puke Sports 12 (Jono Kitto, Matt Wallis tries; Carlos Savage con) Rotoiti 9 (Tyson Ripia 3 pens) HT: 3-0 Rotoiti.