Tauranga Sports powers to win

It takes a lot to dwarf a Waikite pack but new Tauranga Sports lock Leon Power managed it with ease yesterday.
Power helped his side subdue the spirited Rotorua visitors 41-17 at the Wharepai Domain in Easter's split round of Baywide premier club rugby, though it took a fair amount of work from the 2m giant.
With 23 provincial games for Taranaki under his belt, Power isn't short on experience but, after an off-season in Australia, he is keen to get more game time.
"We've got some pretty good locks in the 'Naki at the moment, so it was time for a change and Bay offered me a contract up here," the former New Zealand Colt said. Taranaki's ranks include Chiefs player Craig Clarke, former All Black Jason Eaton, Hurricanes squad member James Broadhurst as well as New Zealand under-20 utility forward Blade Thomson and national schools captain Kane Barrett.
Steamers coach Sean Horan said the union had been on the lookout for another lock after the retirement of veterans John Moore and Aidan Kuka, to partner Chiefs squad member Culum Retallick and former Hurricanes rep Luke Andrews.
"We saw an opportunity and Leon saw an opportunity and we're pretty pleased to have him on board," Horan said. "We need some quality depth like we had in the past couple of years and we saw that Leon was available."
Bay have also signed former Taranaki age-group lock Leighton Price from Hawke's Bay.
Power, 25, made his Taranaki debut four years ago but struggled with a persistent foot injury last year, with his only appearance of the season coming against Bay of Plenty in New Plymouth in August.
The big man was a rock-solid figure in the lineouts yesterday and was robust around the field, although Tauranga had to fight hard to repel a vigorous Waikite challenge.
It was only the steady left boot of first-five Lewis Hancock that kept them out of reach, with Hancock - normally a halfback - slotting 21 points from five penalties and three conversions.
In contrast, Waikite pivot and Baywide leading scorer Quaid Langeveldt could only add an early penalty before leaving the field with a knee knock. The 18-year-old South African, who has scored 59 points in his first five games, was missed as Waikite struggled with line kicking and drop-outs after he went off.
Tauranga finished with a flourish as Waikite tired, wings John Stewart and Francisco Appleton inflating the score further.
In yesterday's other match, Rangataua fought back from 8-0 down at halftime to beat Whakatane Marist 24-18, though they made it hard for themselves.
Ruki Tipuna managed three penalties but missed a handful of other shots as Rangataua outscored the home side three tries to two.
Te Puke provided the big upset of the round on Thursday night with a heart-stopping 22-19 win over previously unbeaten Whakarewarewa, thanks to a brilliant effort from their pack.
Prop Mark Nicolaas picked up another two tries - his second brace in three weeks - as Te Puke led 22-7 midway through the second half.
But Whakarewarewa flanker Liam Coleman grabbed a classic charge-down try and Tetihi Vercoe scored his first points for the club as the visitors made a late charge.
They were ultimately left to lament turning down three kickable penalties, allowing Te Puke to get their season back on track.
Rotoiti maintained their grip on second place with a 15-13 win over Te Puna under lights at Maramatanga Park, with the round's last match played today in the Eastern Bay between Mount Maunganui and Opotiki.
Scores:
Tauranga Sports 41 (Jeff Thwaites, Scott McCormick, John Stewart, Francisco Appleton tries; Lewis Hancock 5pen 3con) Waikite 17 (Jermaine Webby, Tumoana Wijohn tries; Miki Richards 2con, Quaid Langeveldt pen). HT: 14-10.
Rangataua 24 (Josh Te Kani, Moeahu Flavell, Siaosi Iongi tries; Ruki Tipuna 3pen) Whakatane Marist 18 (Kiti Poanga, Walter Aramoana tries; Craig Edwards 2pen con). HT: 0-8.
Rotoiti 15 (Karl Gage, Matt Landers tries; Sikeli Vorenasu con pen) Te Puna 13 (Aidan Kuka try; Gray Gardiner 2pen con). HT: 3-10.
Te Puke 22 (Mark Nicolaas 2, Ryan Lambert tries; Nick McCashin pen con, Simon Rolleston con) Whakarewarewa 19 (Liam Coleman, Tetihi Vercoe, Aleki Kisina tries; Kelly Haimona 2con). HT: 10-7.