“It was a really good game: Hone (Haerewa, Coast captain) dominated the line-out, his locking partner Scott Lasenby was excellent in defence and the 10 minutes before Laman Davies scored (72nd minute) saw us hammering away on their line,” said NPEC head coach Wayne Ensor.
“By game’s end, we had the edge at scrum-time, matched up well with EBOP everywhere, and we’re all excited about next weekend.”
The Coast play Bay of Plenty Maori in Rotorua next Saturday: Ensor is keen to see blindside flanker Trent Proffit’s total involvement and more strong carries by No.8 Anton King in pre-season game two.
Halfback Hamuera Baker’s passing, the flair of centre Jayden Milner and the courage of youngsters Tipene Meihana (left-wing) and William Martin (right-wing) were all features of NPEC’s courageous showing in the first hit-out of the year.
In fine conditions before a crowd of 200-plus, what began as a stop-start contest saw the home team open the scoring nine minutes into the first half of play — from a scrum set 15m off the right touch on the Coast’s 22, EBOP went six phases to the left of the ground: first-five Robbie Tai scored in the corner for 5-0.
The visitors took a two-point lead in the 21st minute, when NPEC Most Valuable Player loosehead prop Hakarangi Tichborne scored the first of his two tries: Baker converted, for 7-5.
Eastern Bay MVP fetcher Kemp Tale then made his presence felt — twice —with consecutive tries, Tai converting both, in the 24th and 32nd minute respectively — for the hosts to take a 19-7 lead at the break.
At the 50 minute-mark, Tichborne completed his double for the Coast 12, EBOP 19. The Bay’s Tutere Waenga — having gone from first to second-five — then converted his own try for 26-12 in the 71st minute; NPEC reserve prop Laman Davies, who had replaced Tichborne (57th minute), was the last try-scorer, 78 minutes in. Baker converted for the Coast 19, EBOP 26.
“The stalwarts here were pleased — it was great to get Basil’s trophy back,” said Studer, whose side was presented with said prize by the late rugby icon’s grandson, Daniel Simpson.
“Considering that we’ve only trained once for a one-game season, we’re stoked with that performance and wish the Coast boys all the best for the Heartland competition.”
