Coast show passion, determination despite the score

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

IT WAS more of the same. The East Coast under-16 rugby team showed more of the same passion and determination with disdain for the scoreboard at Whanganui yesterday.

A capable Hawke’s Bay Development team led by second five-eighth Jack Sheridan beat the Coast 79-0 but Hawke’s Bay coach Andy Green’s abiding memory of the game was this: “In the 70th — last — minute of play, our first-five Treyah Kingi-Taukamo went to convert our 13th try, 15 metres in from the right touchline on the 22. Four of the Coast boys charged at him — two of them reached him — and he missed the kick. That speaks to their character.”

The Coast pinned the Bay in their own 22 for periods in the second half but the Bay’s back row were outstanding at the breakdown.

Wellington referee Jordan Price did a top job in controlling this facet of play.

Blindside flanker Xavier Smith scored three tries and was Hawke’s Bay’s MVP (most valuable player) for his hard running and tackling, while Green reserved special praise for East Coast fullback Hoki Wahitapu.

Wahitapu’s massive boot and skilful use of the westerly wind saw Hawke’s Bay — hot on attack in the Coast 22 — sent 60m back downfield on line-kicks. Coast centre William Martin also impressed.

Despite the score being 38-0 at halftime and possession being 70-30 in Hawke’s Bay’s favour, the Coast played physical rugby in a high-paced game.

Green, whose team will play Wellington for the B Division Saracens Cup at 11am tomorrow, said: “We came out of the blocks well but East Coast were gutsy. That matters.”

The Coast will play Horowhenua Kapiti in the fifth/sixth playoff at 9.30am tomorrow.