Grogan returning at just the right time

Willy away: OBM halfback Willy Grogan tries to get away from Waikohu second five-eighth Jesse Fleming. Both will be in action when the sides meet at Te Karaka tomorrow in the last game of the premier division round robin. Picture by Paul Rickard

RUGBY

WILLY Grogan’s return from holiday in Ireland has come at the right time for OBM, as they prepare for tomorrow’s premier rugby clash with Waikohu at Te Karaka.

Grogan, one of the most experienced and competitive halfbacks in the competition, replaces the unavailable Keith Henderson for what could be a dress rehearsal for next week’s Lee Bros Shield top-four playoffs.

First five-eighth Dean Pohatu also returns, after injury caused him to miss last week’s loss to YMP.

Enterprise Cars OBM are fourth and on course to play first-placed GT Shearing Waikohu.

Even if OBM were to beat Waikohu, who last week suffered their first loss of the season (to High School Old Boys) — OBM would need Tapuae to topple Ngatapa to climb into third place. The odds are heavily stacked against Tapuae, who have not won a game this season.

Coach Frank King and the team will also still be feeling the effects of a tragedy in which two Wairoa people, one a Tapuae player, died in a motor accident last weekend.

Henderson, who co-coaches OBM with Tom Solomon, said they would treat the game as a dress rehearsal for the following week.

“We’ll be putting out our strongest team, as I’m sure Waikohu will be,” said Henderson, who has been filling in for Grogan.

“And that means Willy will come into the starting line-up.

“He’ll be raring to go after missing a couple of games and it couldn’t have come at a better time, with me not being available.”

However, OBM will not have flanker Jacob Cook and No.8 Ngahiwi Manuel, who were suspended after a brawl in last week’s match against YMP at Rugby Park.

Waikohu coach Jason Tuapawa said his players were looking forward to the game.

“They can’t wait; it’s a chance to put that loss to bed and start our preparations for whoever we play in the semifinals,” said Tuapawa, who is only three games away from lifting the Shield in his first season as premier coach.

“We’re not thinking about that (lifting the Shield). All our focus is on OBM and finishing the second round with a win and a good performance.”

Tuapawa admitted some of his players had “quiet games last week, not up to their usual high standards”.

“But we’ve got a good bunch of players and I’ve no doubt they’ll bounce back.

“We’ve been working hard all season, taking each game as it comes, and OBM will no different.”