Their starting forwards came up against an older Hiku pack, some of whom were noticeably slower around the paddock. Not that we’re into age discrimination. That would be hard to justify given Hiku’s strong scrum and the fact prop/hooker Pat McLean and lock Horace Lewis are among the mountain men’s leading try-scorers this season.
Uawa had an early spell on attack but on the 15-minute mark Hiku won a scrum, and worked the ball through the backline before a long kick put them near the Uawa line. A pushover move saw Lewis score and the six-pointer was converted by Palmer.
The tussle between well-matched forward packs produced some great rugby.
Big men punch for territoryHiku used their big men — George Tuala, Te Maira Warmenhoven and Lewis — to punch for territory but were largely kept in check by loosies Ben Parkes and Rikki Kernohan and front-rowers Dan Knubley, Trey Crawford and Wyntah Riki.
Uawa lock Scott Lasenby had a great game. He was in the thick of the loose play and dominated in the lineouts.
No 8 Harley Phillips regularly makes plenty of ground for Uawa but Hiku loosies Jesse Tuala and Kareti Palmer kept him relatively pinned down.
Kris Palmer made a strong break soon after his side’s first try and 15 minutes later was fed the ball by halfback Karauria Keelan inside his own half. He dummied, burst through a gap and kicked ahead. An Uawa defender went for the ball but fumbled it, and Palmer picked it up and scored.
Uawa, 14 points down, came back with a strong forward movement resulting in a try to lock Kerehama Blackman to close the deficit to 14-6 at the break.
Uawa started the second half strongly. They brought on experienced prop Laman Davies, who strengthened the scrum and had plenty of impact in the loose. The visitors, however, were first to score — an unconverted try to winger Vllayne Whakataka.
Hiku came back with a try to fullback Fisiihoi only for Uawa second five Rocky Monika to score in reply. Jordan Patrick’s conversion locked it up at 20-all and the situation started to get frantic.
Hiku scoresThe Uawa forwards appeared to be lasting the distance better and a seventh win from as many matches looked on the cards. But 15 minutes from fulltime, Hiku second five Fidow burst down the line and scored near the corner, and Kris Palmer converted.
Uawa put their all into the remaining 15 minutes but were unable to break through the Hiku defence lifted by their vocal supporters.
Two points now separate the teams from fourth to seventh. Ruatoria City are on 20, Hiku 19 and TVC and Waiapu are on 18.
Hikurangi 28 (Horace Lewis, Kris Palmer, Tovio Fidow, Loni Fisiihoi tries; Kris Palmer 2 con).
Uawa 20 (Rocky Monika, Vllayne Whakataka, Kerehama Blackman tries; Jordan Patrick con).
HT 14-6 (Hikurangi).
