Big win for Tapuae to co-lead premiers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Tapuae have made an impressive start to the season.

Kahu Scaffolding Tapuae and defending champions East Coast Farm Vets YMP both have two wins.

The Wairoa-based Green and Blacks beat Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates 70-8 on Saturday.

Pirates won the coin-toss at Tapuae Sports Ground No.1 and Pirates kicked off into the wind.

Left wing Tatana Smith scored four tries (41st, 55th, 61st, 80th minutes), player-coach fullback Paoraian Manuel-Harman (20th, 24th), with a try each to hooker Ngahiwi Manuel (1st), lock Duran Smith (8th), openside flanker Keanu Taumata (26th), co-captain centre Tione Hubbard (29th), reserve second-five Rana Hubbard (44th) and loosehead prop Thomas Ormond (61st). Manuel-Harman converted five.

Pirates vice-captain right-wing Mosese Bulicakau kicked a penalty goal and fullback Isimeli Yavala scored a try on halftime for Pirates.

The score at the break was 36-8 to Tapuae.

Manuel-Harman said Tapuae set a quick tempo, with first-five Nikau Kaimoana and blindside flanker Antonio Marewai among their best.Marewai made a number of strong carries.

Fetcher Paula Tatafu was tremendous in defence for Pirates, and centre Alifereti Senivou was just as prominent with the ball in hand.

Head coach Anthony Kiwara, was justifiably pleased with his courageous side’s showing.

“Our discipline continues to improve by the week. Our pack scrummaged well and, with the ball in hand, we played with excellent shape.”