Coast smallest but fighting hard

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

THEY just love the jersey.

The David Newton-coached East Coast under-16 rugby team lost 58-0 to McCarthy Transport Wairarapa-Bush at Wanganui Collegiate yesterday but they gave it their all.

They trailed 22-0 at halftime but there was sting in every sky blue tackle from start to finish.

“Although we’re the smallest team here, we fought hard up front,” Newton said.

“Our tighthead prop, Putai Thomas, scrummaged well, lock Kyah Hollis won excellent lineout ball, openside flanker Caleb August tackled hard and our MPV (most valuable player) was one of our co-captains, No.8 Porourangi Poutu.

“We would have had only 30 percent of possession and 40 percent field position.

“Despite the conditions, it was a quick game. Our boys kept their heads up — they never stopped competing. They’re bruised but they’ll go hard again tomorrow.”

Wairarapa-Bush coach Jon Tanner put the game — and the scoreline — in perspective.

“That’s the best we’ve played this season by a very long way and it was the first time we’ve successfully implemented our game-plan,” he said.

“The westerly was gale-force. At one stage, the Coast restarted from halfway and the ball definitely went 10 metres but the wind blew the ball back to them. The referee (Matt McEwen of Manawatu) correctly called ‘play on’.

“The Coast were very physical; their No.8 (Poutu) ran and tackled well, their fullback (Hoki Wahitapu) returned the ball and made space.

“Our tight five really set a good platform and our backs were creative. Our MVP was openside flanker Tama Bartlett — he got at least 10 turnovers at attacking and defensive breakdowns. The captain, hooker Thomas Ralls, also had a good game for us.

“But what impressed me, really struck me, about the Coast team was that they played some of their best rugby in the last five minutes and they hurt every time we scored, which is great.

“East Coast wanted to be there, and I love to coach guys like that myself.”

EAST COAST 0.

WAIRARAPA-BUSH 58 (Mate Manesa 4, Waylon Mason, Lucas Megaw, Thomas Innes, Joseph Te Nahi, Logan Prendeville, John McKenzie tries; McKenzie 3 con, Devon Gerrard con).