HSOB step up when it counts

LOVE ON THE RUN: Woodbank HSOB fullback Korey Love, with centre James Warren in support, slips past Farmvets YMP centre Mike Kora (right) but has Willie Brown to contend with in Poverty Bay premier club rugby at the Oval on Saturday. HSOB won 20-8 to remain top of the table, three points ahead of OBM. Picture by Liam Clayton

HIGH School Old Boys bounced back from their shock loss to Waikohu to beat YMP 20-8 in premier club rugby at the Oval on Saturday.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the boys,” said assistant coach Ian Loffler.

“We’ve probably got close to 10 players on the injured list but we (Loffler and coach Wayne Ensor) talked about the boys showing character.

“The team talk was all about those who were playing, not those missing. It was an opportunity for some players to step up and they did.”

Leading the charge were No.8 Trent Proffit, halfback Andrew Knight, first five-eighth Scott Leighton and openside flanker Tim Lister.

The first three are regulars although Proffit — nomally an openside flanker, who has missed a few games and played while carrying an injury — was outstanding.

Knight, who has cemented his place this season as first-choice halfback, is getting better with each game. His combination with the experienced Leighton was key to this win.

Lister, usually in the reserves, thrived on the chance to start and was in the thick of the action until replaced after 65 minutes.

“Korey Love (fullback) was another who answered the character call,” Loffler said. “He works out of town and finds it hard to get to all the training sessions, but he ran the ball back hard today."

Loffler said they were “really pleased” with the lineouts and the effort of their forwards, who drove over for two of their tries.

Playing into the windThe Farmvets YMP pack, playing into the wind in the first half, had the better of the opening exchanges. Midfield backs Reihana Wyllie and Mike Kora also caused the Woodbank HSOB defence problems early on with their hard, straight running.

The opening try, however, came from HSOB, with left winger Evan Bryant scoring in the 28th minute.

Knight chased a clearing kick down the right wing and put pressure on YMP fullback Brian Whaitiri-White. The ball was quickly recycled by HSOB and it was moved to the opposite wing for Bryant to dot down.

Second five Corey Reihana converted for an 8-0 halftime lead, which did not look to be enough as YMP had the wind at their backs for the last 40.

“We knew we had to deny them possession and try to wear them down with our fitness, and it worked. The forwards did everything we asked of them and more,” Loffler said.

HSOB came close to stretching their lead five minutes into the second half after Proffit claimed a lineout five metres from the tryline. From a concerted drive, Leighton looked to have scored only for referee Hamish Campbell to rule he was held up. Leighton was again driven over shortly after but again Campbell said he was held up.

Even after losing hooker Russell Burns to the sinbin for a professional foul, HSOB continued to take the game to their opposition and Leighton finally got his reward in the 56th minute. Another lineout taken by Proffit, another drive and this time Campbell’s arm went up to signal a try to the No.10.

With 12 minutes remaining YMP skipper and No.8 Willis Tamatea gave his side a lifeline when he won the race to a ball kicked ahead.

Whaitiri-White converted to close the gap to 14-8. But with two minutes to go, HSOB were awarded a penalty and Leighton kicked for touch. Possession was secured from the lineout and co-skipper and tighthead prop Jody Tuhaka, another top performer, sealed the win from the ensuing drive.

HSOB 20 (Evan Bryant, Scott Leighton, Jody Tuhaka tries; Corey Reihana con).

YMP 8 (Willis Tamatea try; Brian Whaitiri-White con)

HT: 8-0 (HSOB)