Rugby: Mount too slick in wet for Greerton

Mount Maunganui Sports win a lineout against Greerton Marist at Greerton Park on Saturday. Photo / Ron Pearson

A blast of winter weather caused plenty of problems in the WBOP Premier competition on Saturday.

With the opening round of this season's Baywide competition looming on May 2, teams were looking to put the ideal game plan into action. For all the coaches that is still a work in progress.

Early-season injuries are causing concern and that was most evident with Greerton Marist, who will be serious contenders if they can get their top five players on the park together. Steamers Tino Nemani and Joe Tupe are still weeks away from returning.

Greerton Marist had first use of the driving rain and wind at home against Mount Maunganui Sports but poor goalkicking and some typically resolute Mount Maunganui defence meant they had nothing to show for their territorial dominance.

Mount Maunganui soaked up the pressure well and broke quickly when the chance came. Just before the break Greerton tried to run the ball out of their own 22 and turned the ball over. Some slick passing in the wet created space for fullback Mason Walker to score in the corner.

Impressive new first-five Clayton Stewart converted from the touchline for a handy 7-0 lead that Mount Maunganui never looked like losing. Stewart kicked three penalties to stretch the lead to 16-0 as the conditions deteriorated before Walker showed his ability to step defenders with a sharp break for his second try.

Stewart has impressed this season after shifting to the Western Bay from Palmerston North where he played four seasons for the Massey club while gaining a commerce degree. With former Auckland B, Southland and Wairarapa Bush pivot John Dodd also in good form for Tauranga Sports, the Bay of Plenty selectors suddenly have two more quality No10s to choose from than they had last year.

"I have enjoyed the move to play here," Stewart said. "It is really physical and more up front here whereas it was more open down [Palmerston North]. We defended really well today and we just wanted to hold them out in the first half. Stick together, stay tight. The second half was about field position using that wind and expanding the lead. I was really pleased with how well we handled the ball. I wasn't expecting that as we haven't been gelling too well in our first few games, just finding our feet.

"I am looking forward to playing in the Baywide championship to see what the other teams have got. There are a few bus trips coming up to look forward to."

Another new player worth watching is Greerton centre Caleb Hall who was in the Blues development squad last year.