Dream run continues for Reeves

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

IT was the fifth straight victory for Reeves and maintains his side’s three-point lead over second-placed High School Old Boys.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season,” said Reeves, who had hoped to be a player-coach.

“We’ve got too many players and the boys are playing too well for me to get a game at this stage.”

Reeves said stalwarts Tapu Dixon, Mike Tane and Hayden Rutene were leading by example.

“We’ve also got a couple of new young players, Fagan Rutene (winger) and Petera Rikitiki (fullback), who are playing really well.”

HSOB kept the pressure on the competition leaders with a hard-fought 24-20 win against Wairoa Athletic.

HSOB centre and player of the day Vili Taufa scored two tries, while fullback Casey Wilson chipped in with a five-pointer.

Captain and second five-eighth Cory Reihana kicked three conversions and a penalty.

HSOB led 17-10 at halftime and the score remained the same for most of the second half until Wairoa hit back with an unconverted try to close the gap to two points.

With five minutes remaining, Taufa scored his second try but Wairoa were not finished and they reduced the deficit with another unconverted try.

“Staunch defence in the dying minutes got us home,” HSOB manager Bill Henry said.

“It was a good game. Both teams gave it everything and left nothing out there. Athletic are always hard to beat so it was good to win this one.”

Although not on the scoresheet, flanker Mike Carrington, halfback Leonard Lloyd and locks Gabby Koba and Matt Mead played well.

“Matt’s returning from a knee injury that threatened to end his season, and came through unscathed,” Henry said.

YMP continued their revival with a 31-10 victory over Eastern United.